Brakes went out on my truck!

You dont want the brakes to lock up, which is what would happen if I (or anyone else) does this. I guess downshifting is the best bet, unless you need to stop instantly.

 

lawsuit

 

Only if you're going REALLY slow on a level surface. The parking brake engages hard and suddenly, so the rear brakes just go from unbraked to locked. And then the pedal is locked down, and you have to kick it again to release.

I tested it (to see how well it would work as an emergency brake), and the answer was basically "don't use it". I would hate to lock up the rear brakes and lose all directional control.

At least with the vehicles that have a release lever, you could reach down, pull up on the release lever, and then push on the e-brake pedal and modulate the brake pressure to come to a stop. This click-click ratchet system makes the brake totally unusable in an emergency.

 

Unfortunately, almost every manufacturer nowadays is like this and this is why I always try and befriend at least one service writer at the dealership. When you do shit actually gets done correctly as opposed to the 6 other guys there that act like the OPs service writer. Hell when I brought my truck in for the blower motor the mechanic said he would replace the felt inside, my service writer told him BS your ordering a whole new motor. No BS as the conversation happened right in front of me. Had that been me I would have asked to speak with his boss and if his superior continued to be an ass hat I would have asked them to sign on dealership letter head that they feel my truck was safe to drive. This way when and if I did crash due to the same problem I could sue the living shit out of them. Chances are they would not do that and than take your issue a little more seriously. With the dealers you have to screw with them at their own game otherwise they will try and weasel out of taking responsibility. I used to have to deal with this crap with my old Jeep and Honda. When we first got the 4Runner the dealerships service dept blew so I went to their competitor and since than going in for service is a pleasure. Hell my old service writer would let me take his personal vehicle for the day if I was in a jam and I needed wheels. Still pissed he's gone.

 

You say this happened a few years ago? When exactly? I also have a 99 Silverado that this is happening exactly. I was going to get a new module but costs a boat load! Any more in depth on fixing this problem and if it can be done by someone with a wire wheel at home?

Im trying to sell my truck as we speak, and this problem is deffinetly not helping. More I sell my truck for = more I can put into my new tacoma = more pics = awesomeness!

 

there's actually a DIY for disabling the ABS with a switch. I've gotta do this before winter time

 

PM sent.

 

The damage on your truck isn't too bad is it?

Anyways, when your brakes go out, isn't that what the Emergency Brake is for? I've never really tried stopping on just pushing the parking brake alone though so i don't know how that will turn out...

well nevermind then...lol i didn't read.

Sooo, so much for an "Emergency" brake.

 

Well, I guess I know what my next mod is going to be...