1996 Chevy Astro AWD 212,000 miles 4.3 V6

1996 CHEVROLET TRUCK
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TNTMITCH
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This vehicle was purchased used two years ago. It has nearly always had it as long as we have owned it.
The problem centers on a very hard "pull" to the left when braking. All wheel braking hardware has been replaced,(calipers, rotors, drums, cylinders, etc.) and have been bled numerous times causing no change in response. The pull is greatest in the initial brake pedal pressure and is worse when braking hard. This pull will completely turn the vehicle. There are no obvious problems with brake lines. The pull to the left is sometimes followed by a pull to the right as well as the a feeling that the front left brake sometimes requires 3-5 seconds to release. All mechanics thus far have no idea other than to change Master Cyl., ABS and Dump valve at a very high price. Can you offer any direction for where to start?
Apr 14, 2007 at 5:56 PM
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MIKE D IN MD
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you didn't say whether or not you had replaced the brake hoses. if not, they might be the next thing to look at. with age, they can act like checkvalves and not release the pressure on the piston, keeping the brakes partly applied.
Apr 15, 2007 at 9:59 PM
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ME/US
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[quote:7a5b1af556="mike d in md"]you didn't say whether or not you had replaced the brake hoses. if not, they might be the next thing to look at. with age, they can act like checkvalves and not release the pressure on the piston, keeping the brakes partly applied.[/quote:7a5b1af556]


>>>absoluitely spot on! "mike d in md" has it!!

i had the same issues on a c1500 a month ago. the side opposite the pull side [the right] has a collapsed brake hose [the inner liner]. so your initial braking force is applied to the OPPOSITE side [the left] until the inner liner is finally forced open. then, after the liner is open, you will get some braking force to the right. just replace both sides and you'll have a completely new system. hope this helps...
Apr 18, 2007 at 9:41 AM
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TNTMITCH
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Thanks Guys!
That will be my next try!
Apr 18, 2007 at 12:24 PM