Brake problem / Bill Davies contact Info

Kiwi · 10-20-2011, 12:28 PM

Does anyone have contact info for Bill Davies - pm if you need - my local dealership has had my car for a month because the brake pedal suddenly nearly went to the floor and makes a sucking type noise when you pump it when the ignition is on. When the ignition is off - it is firm and no problems. It is not leaking fluid. The dealership has not been able to find the cause of the problem. The dealership mechanic knows Bill but has lost contact with him and would like to contact him and see if he knows what the problem is - if anyone else has any ideas what could be the problem they would be gratefully received.

thanking you - Kiwi

Dragon2U · 10-20-2011, 02:26 PM

If the pedal went to the floor while driving and there are no fluid leaks and all seems well now the problem is likely in the ABS area. Might be a bad wheel sensor or ABS unit.

They should be able to monitor the signals with their tester on a test drive from each wheel sensor output and see if one might be faulty or excessively dirty. Sometimes the automated testers do not show readings fast enough so they may have to use a scope and watch for signal anomalies.

Also check the front wheel sensors for dirt and rust, not sure if it is applicable here or not but this was a common problem for some ABS units in earlier GM trucks.

The booster hissing might be a bad diaphragm due to the exaggerated pedal movement or????? but it has nothing to do with the pedal to the floor.

Good luck

Achias · 10-20-2011, 03:52 PM

As I mentioned in the technical forum, mine does the same thing, but the brakes work fine. I just had the master cylinder replaced because of a leak so that is not the problem. I heard from one other SSR owner who says that his pedal works the same way.

With the engine running, the brake pedal works fine and stops the truck well. If, after it is stopped, I push harder on the pedal, it travels almost to the floor.

How about the rest of you? Does your pedal keep traveling if you push harder on it after the truck is stopped?

Dragon2U · 10-20-2011, 04:45 PM

I agree, if I really stomp on it I can get it to go really close to the floor and some hissing is normal. The problem is that we are trying to diagnose without seeing it.

If the brake pedal operator depresses with the same effort each time and all of a sudden it goes to the floor with the same effort then there is an issue. If you are simply pressing harder, with the truck running, to see how far you can get it, then yes, it will get almost to the floor, but it is normal.

Slingshot Lou · 10-20-2011, 04:59 PM

What your describing sounds to me like a master cylinder best way to eliminate that with igntion off pup brakes until pedal is hard hold pedal start car if pedal sinks to the floor its the master cylinder.

Kiwi · 10-21-2011, 09:01 AM

thanks - I was able to drive it to the dealership - about 1.5 miles away. With the ignition off it pumped up with two pumps hard and immovable - with the ignition on it sinks nearly to the floor and pumping does not bring it up. A few days before when I drove it all was fine - the brake peddle felt solid and now it goes beyond that place where it was solid and goes down an extra couple of inches or more, or so it feels - it stops the vehicle in non emergency situations but would not want to try it at speed. Definitely feels different and travels alot further than it ever has in the past. And the hissing/sucking type noise is new as well.

I appreciate all your thoughts - I will take this info to the dealership. Thanking you - Kiwi