Hey Ray I really hope you see this. This video completely saved me today. I was in heavy stop and go traffic going down a slight hill in my 2016 silverado and out of nowhere my brake pedal was going all the way to the floor, felt like it never has before. Immediately I'm convinced I have no brakes, desperately looking for somewhere to turn off the freeway only to find out I'm many miles away from an exit, stuck in very heavy traffic. My heart starts racing and then all of a sudden I somehow remembered watching this video. I thought to myself "if he's right, then I should be able to rev the engine a little to get vacuum and the brakes should come back". I waited to create a gap in front of me and then hit the gas a little and tested my brakes after, and thankfully they came right back. At that point I was able to figure out I have this exact issue, and instead of stopping in massive traffic and getting a tow I was able to understand the issue, all from randomly deciding to watch this video only a few days before the incident. Seriously, thank you. And yes, I've already ordered my replacement parts,
Thanks for this video!! I had started having some issues w/ my brakes making a grinding sound after I was leaving the car wash. When in reverse, it got worse but seemed to go away. As long as I was driving, there was no sound of grinding. I had to let the truck sit for several days while waiting on a windshield washer pump to arrive. I repaired the pump (Which was a MAJOR PAIN. Unbelievable what was involved in that tiny little repair). After the fix, I got in truck and headed down the street while wash, wash, washing my windshield. I came to a stop sign and NO BREAKS. It took both feet to try to stop. I took it back to the shop that just 3wks earlier gave me a "free brake inspection" with zero problems found. I was furious!! I felt that the shop did NOT do any inspection and just set me aside so that I would be back later for a complete brake job. They removed all 4 tires, and it showed that I had excellent pads & rotors. (only 55k miles). Made NO sense. Now, after watching your video, this makes complete sense!!! I feel like a scumbag for my accusations to the shop and I owe a hundred apologies to the employees, the manager that took his time to inspect my brakes AGAIN, took pics, and called me to show me that my breaks were fine. He did this AT NO CHARGE!! So, "Rainman Ray", Thank you for this video and I am your newest subscriber... Thanks, "thebake"
How many accidents have happened due to this problem and vehicle owners not knowing? Unbelievable! Good thing you detected the problem and warned the owner.
I expect none. When the engine is revving there is a lot of vacuum. And if its nor revving still enough to press the brakes at least twice. These kind of issues happen when the engine is low revving. (Warm engine stationary) Like in a parking lot. Manual shift cars will also not have this issue I suppose
@@mauricevandoeselaar I can imagine what Ray was explaining. If you're in a parking lot, and have to go back and forth to either parking or leave, it might be a cause for an accident due to brake failure.
I work at a GM delaer. In like 2019 they came out with a recall for this to reprogram the electronic brake control module to use abs activation to slow the vehicle down in parking lot maneuvers. It obviously didn't work, just GM trying to mask the vacuum pump issue. There is special coverage out for vacuum pump replacement, but I'm seeing it's starting to expire on some trucks based on mileage and age. I can't count how many vacuum pumps I've replaced. But after replacement I've never seen one back for the same issue
I too work at a GM dealership, and can confirm every bit of this is true. We actually performed this fix on a truck today. The special coverage campaign requires replacement of the vacuum pump and belt.
There were 3 different versions 2 in September 1 in October. Hard pedal no brakes can occur on any vacuum boosted vehicle, if the vacuum booster is failing. This is the assist module which is on vehicles with DOD/AFM (LT1/LT4 engines). The GMT800 trucks had an assist module for the 4.3 as it apparently couldn't develop enough vacuum like the V8s, then there is hydroboost alternative which is ran off the power steering pump. So i believe in some instances the reprogram worked and in some requires a new assist module and vacuum booster, worst case would be the master cylinder and abs/proportioning valve
GM always hides anything they should fix if it can save them from covering it... I've had this hard brake pedal issue and it's sketchy...too bad GM is pushing customers away because they make junk and won't fix known problems. Just like the AC condensers that leak, or the rockers that rust out, or the 8 speed transmission... They hide from replacing even under warranty and as soon as it's out of warranty they will sell you the fix you've been complaining about at the dealership.
Back in the 60s to 90s (when vacuum controls were king) there was this thing called a vacuum reservoir, basically a metal can or plastic ball, that was inline on a major vacuum line to give additional vacuum for parking lot activity's.
Just to let you know, I've been watching awhile now and I had to change plugs on an Elantra. In my 60 years of working on cars without hardly any knowledge, Ive never touched a coil on top of spark plug. Thanks to you, I was able to change same with only one broken connector but I think it was a success. Pay no attention to the detractors. You provide a valuable service. Thank you Sir!!!
I have a 2016 Sierra. It’s done this since day one, and I was never told anything about the service bulletin. Now at 240,000 miles, it’s too late and I’m on the hook for it. This should have been a recall from the start.
I have a 2015 Silverado 40k miles with a 7-9inch lift kit. Replaced perfectly new brake pads. I was thinking of upgrading brake disk and calipers because assumed it was due to lift kit having difficult stoping truck. Good thing i came across this video. And yes it only happens when i drive 1-3mph slowly when i try and inch back and forth to park truck after pressing/releasing brake peddle 3-5times. Almost got me into accident multiple times. Crazy how GM knows its an issue wont do recall had me spending money assuming its my lift kit. I have had to be pressing on peddle as hard as i could in the parking lot while watching my truck continuing to slow move forward about 6inch to 1ft before stoping.
Experience and knowledge are priceless. Most people wouldnt realize it was deficient and parking lot maneuvers would be hazardous. GM doesnt notify or recall it. Its a TSB for the situation where a customer notices. Thats a terrible feeling as the truck drives into somebody or some thing in front of it or behind it.
an accident waiting to happen! what a crazy design. it should be covered due to it’s safety issue! and a poor design! great find . wonderful video! and learned something new!
A lesser man and mechanic would've sent it. Example: I just got the entere suspension and steering system replaced on my beloved 2001 Honda Accord. I knew to ask "Did you align the car"? They. Did. Not. Apology from service manager accepted with prejudice. You Sir are a good man.
I like the "vacuum pump delete mod" that connects the brake booster to the manifold vacuum (like all the cars used to do), and you remove the vacuum pump and "plug the oil holes",,,,AND you gotta DISABLE the AFM (V8-V4 mode) to make sure the vacuum never falls too low. GM even sells a "vacuum pump delete kit" ... it's just the 2 plugs needed to seal the two oil galley holes.
I can't imagine AFM activating would cause an issue - With how and when it enables (driving down the highway), you'd have reserve built up for a panic stop, and it would still be creating vacuum, just maybe not quite as much as all 8 running, but at idle/parking lot speeds, no issue.
I had a 15 that had the pump replaced. In addition to the hard pedal i had pedal pulsing when in a drive thru and applying light pedal pressure to creep ahead. The dealer covered it outside of warranty no questions asked
Had that happen once with a ... probably a 60's full size Dodge sedan. Around 1970. Had nothing to do with repeated applications of brakes. Got to where I was going, hit brakes. No assist. Worked on way home, but I was terrified. Had booster replaced as I recall.
As a truck camper owner, this is the perfect storm. When loading a 2-3 ton camper supported on 4 corner jacks, the 8-10' reverse movement is never "first time-one time" with fractions of an inch along the bed rails. Imagine getting hung up while backing up and not having the brake response you're used to. There goes a $50K camper onto its side-
Hi Ray! I just wanted to say thank you again! I've been having some small issue in my car and without you and your videos, I wouldn't had the knowledge or the courage to tackle them myself. ❤
@@joeymeyer3653ok ford not going into park and still rolling, happened in the 80s/90s and it still happens today, the pentastar 3.6 leaking oil before 100,000 miles or throwing a rod through the block? How about the ecoboost fiasco, ford and dodge aint any better and by far worse, try servicing a toyota or nissan for just a starter.
Light aircraft use an engine-driven vacuum pump to run the instruments. There's an oil-lubricated version that lasts forever but requires an oil return system, and a dry pump that uses graphite vanes. Because airplane engines sometimes run W.O.T, there isn't manifold vacuum in normally arpirated ones and of course supercharged ones don't have manifold vacuum. They did make an "emergency" kit that uses manifold vacuum, but the engine must be operated at partial throttle.
There is an extended warranty from gm covering the vacuum pump belt and pump replacement to 10 years 150k miles. I have sent more than a dozen of them over to my local dealer and had them replaced at no charge.
Hey Ray, Really appreciate your video. This was exactly what was happening to my wife's 2015 Tahoe. Because of the detail in your video I was able to correctly diagnose the issue and we were able to get the vacuum pump replaced utilizing the special extended warranty. Thanks for your great work!
I replaced hundreds of vacuum pumps. I agree this is a real problem. If the owners of the trucks have any problems, they should not hesitate to take it to the dealership. I am a retired GM brake and front end mechanic. The pickup in my driveway that I purchased new is a 1990 Chevrolet 1/2 pickup. Brakes work just fine.
I have a 2017 1500 Chevy Silverado, this happened to me while pulling a camper in heavy traffic with my family. The brake pedal went to the floor and barely stopped us. It’s a miracle we didn’t crash. GM dealer told me it’s the compressor and they will cover the repair. I can’t believe this is not a recall.
Thank you for the education Ray. I have a 2015 Silverado with 4.3L engine and have on occasion encountered the very issue you described. My truck is under 150k miles so will need to check with the dealership on if I fall under the extended warranty. Thank you again.
Did you ever check? Having the same issue on my 2014 1500. I have 75,000 miles on mine and nearly had a heart attack on the interstate today when my brake pedal was stiff as a rock.
Toyota's have this vacuum pump mounted to the alternator on their Diesel engines. Yes, this pump is very expensive and I bought a brand new pump for a hilux 3L/5L engine and it was US$ 400! the pump works like a power steering pump with feather like slats that will extend as it spins.
My 2017 gmc Sierra 1500 ( 5.3) with 67k miles had the same problem and I called GM and explained the situation and they did cover the expense because of an extended warranty for that same problem. I took it to the GM dealership and explained the situation and at first they tried to not say anything about the extended warranty but I told them I called GM and they went ahead and fixed it with no charges.. I just had to wait a lil longer than usual because of parts shortage. They replaced the vacuum pump pulley and belt. Now my gmc sierra runs great with no more issues.
Ray your unique one of a kind ,your honesty is truly amazing and your so professional . I just wish other mechanic would follow you and do the same ,great job and video.
2016 Suburban w/ 5.3 L engine owner here. Had this issue AFTER the original warranty expired :{. The job is pretty easy, but the replacement pump had been back-ordered for a couple of months. Finally got it sorted.. Should have been recalled!
I learned to drive cars back when they did not have brake boosters, My 63 nor my 64ss impla had brake boosters on then the system was total hydrlic, you had to stand on the pedel fred Flintstone style to stop. It wasn't until the 70s brake boosters started showing up.mostly on imports like Toyota.
yes - the old days when everything was an extra cost option. Power brakes had been around since the mid 50s - on luxury brands it was standard. On more basic lines (anything that wasn't Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln, Chrysler, Imperial) it was extra cost option. Near the mid 70s, power brakes became standard equipment
My daughter had a 2008 Trailblazer which had a problem with the fuel level sensor. Chevrolet never addressed it as a recall. She was always running low on gas and ran out on a local bridge. Naturally when drivers saw a car parked on the BIG bridge they thought of suicide and called the authorities. She called me for gas and I was shocked to see the police response to a car stopped on the bridge when I took a can of gas to her. After that I took it to the dealer and they replaced the fuel level sensor. they did give me a break on the cost but I still ended up paying for it.
Maybe you should taught your daughter to check the odometer (tripmeter) or the amount of Miles left and have a clue about miles per gallon. If you know the meter is failing some math can help you. Just common sense I guess. maybe it's because I am European and try to solve the issue first instead of who can I blame for it. Things break down nothing to do with dealership or make or model.
Thank you, Ray, for this video! I own a 2017 Silverado and have experienced this issue a couple of times when pulling into my garage. I had to stand on the brake pedal to get it to stop. Both times I thought, "What the heck was that?!!?". Now i know! I'm contacting my dealership for an appointment to get this repaired! I'm only at 75,000 miles, so im hoping it's covered.
Did you ever check to see if it was covered? Having the same issue on my 2014 1500. I have 75,000 miles on mine and nearly had a heart attack on the interstate today when my brake pedal was stiff as a rock.
Hey ray you saved me hundreds of dollars and 3-4 hours of time by telling me there was a tsb on my 2014 Silverado for fixing this.I was going to replace this my self because of the hard pedal issue. I had already fired the parts cannon with the brake cylinder and that didn't solve the problem. You were correct about the 150,000 extended warranty.
I think it has to do with two or four cylinders being deactivated by AFM to increase fuel economy. If running on four cylinders at higher engine load (lower manifold vacuum), there may not be sufficient vacuum to provide adequate boost. I don't know for certain, but that sounds reasonable for adding a usually unnecessary part.
Very interesting, Ray. I do wonder why GM went with vacuum boost if the engine cannot produce enough vacuum. After all, GM used Hydroboost brakes for many years, and quite reliably. Ford and Ram have also used Hydroboost in applications where engine vacuum may be insufficient.
It's due to cylinder deactivation, which ford and dodge suffer from too.. I know the vacuum booster on any vehicle can cause a hard pedal if it fails. Hydroboost has failed too.
Former gm tech here. Untold amount of these replacements. Should definitely be a recall. Even the vacuum pumps on the ecotech 4 cylinder ones seize too. It's camshaft driven so I've seen one snap the camshaft in half and crack the cylinder head. gm can not design these pumps to save their lives lol
Was there a lot of transmission concerns with the the 17-18 trucks? Lookin to buy a new truck and I’ve been looking at a 17-18 Silverado with the 6 speed and a decent amount of people are saying that they’ve had to replace transmissions at 80-120k miles. Just curious if you ran into any of this.
@@spencerh8042 didn't see many transmissions hard fail or burn up with the 6 and 8 speeds, the biggest issue was always the torque converter shudder which I think the latest fix was flushing with a new design fluid
I was hoping there would be a video today, Friday March 1st, 2024. Thank you all at Rays Repairs. Oh no, No wife unit mandatory appearance. Hahah have a great day and weekend everyone...😊
In the late 70,s Dad was experimenting with a Detroit Diesel 353 or 351 in a 71 F250, and a diesel has no vacuum and had a pump that sort of looked like that one, only made out of steel, to run the brake booster, he had the same issue. He made a small tank and run the vac pump into , at least at idle you could still get about 6 or 7 pumps, before it went hard. This thing was kinda cool to drive as a kid, you just had to have some common sense, 67 mph up hill or down with a granny low 4 speed, at 2800rpm and thats all your going to get out of it, and noisy as hell, all the power you could ask for, or dared to tow with it, and 25mpg, and you dared NOT to kick it out of gear to do any coasting on long hills due to this issue!!. I could see a issue and a fender bender happen in bumper to bumper traffic on a steep hill at idle , towing something or loaded heavy in the bed with AC going to!!!
interesting to see a vacuum pump used on a gasoline engine - in the past, manifold vacuum was used / Diesels used hydroboost systems since there's no engine vacuum present with that system
My 2011 MKX had a Brake Booster failure and it was replaced free by the Dealer long after the warranty expired. It was only a service bulletin. The Brake Pedal would just bleed off to the Floor.
Could you install a secondary vacuum reservoir to increase the volume of vacuum available? Probably cheaper than the pump replacement if GM denies the claim.
I have a GMC Sierra and i'm going to do this parking lot test on mine, I noticed something weird a few days ago when applying brakes that it seemed like I didn't have much braking power (compared to normal) but it only happened the one time and in the last couple days I haven't noticed any braking issues.
Yes my first incident was at a drive thru and almost hit car in front of me after I was standing to press all the brakes , I looked up on UA-cam about the problem of brakes getting stiff and I saw so many had the same issues and all you have to do is call GM and they will check your truck information to verify if under 150k miles and then they’ll tell you just take it to the dealership but you must tell the dealership you already called GM so they won’t try to charge you to get fix. Lol. There is an extended warranty coverage only if the brakes fail. lol
Had a 2000 Silverado with the same problem. Pulled into parking lot,hit the brake nothing. Had hard brake petal . Took out relay for antilock. Problem solved.
I am sitting here in a west coast snow storm and I was hoping that this was a one hour video, I could use that right now ! But i will settle fora Rainman 11 minute one
You need to look into getting yourself a DepsTech DS630 borescope. The camera is articulated to make looking around a lot easier. The image quality is also pretty good.
I have a 2017 Silverado and having the same issue where the right front caliper doesn’t release after letting go of the brake pedal in the last couple weeks I’ve gone through 4 calipers and 4 rotors and pads and the dealer where I got it blames it on a bad caliper when it’s not
2 or 3 yr ago, i heard when it goes bad, it fill brake booster full of oil. but gm never made a recall for some reason, think i saw it on 1 the car wizard old video
I have a 21' Tahoe with 30k on it and brakes stopped working while wife was driving. Took it to dealer and they are replacing the master cylinder under warranty
super clean 2016...pretty...can you get the pressure off the old one before replacing? I am guessing its not pressure but can not supply enough volume.
I had a recall performed for a soft brake issue. I was told they had to reprogram the computer. I had a front leveling block installed along with the front end alignment. About two years later, I was doing an oil change and found out My front sway bar was loose. One of the nuts was missing on one side and very loose on the other. I assume they just left it loose when they installed the leveling kit.
I had a GM dealer "quote" me some absurd price for a whole bunch of suspension work that was "urgently needed" (there was NOTHING wrong prior to the normal service). A few days later I started to notice a rattle and the steering slightly off. I got a quote (much CHEAPER) from a specialist suspension centre, and took my car in, with the list of "urgently needed" repairs. 1/2 day later I was informed "I'll charge you a $14 inspection fee, but I didn't do ANY of the work as it didn't need to be done". "Oh, btw, we tightened you sway bar as part of the inspection - DON'T KNOW HOW that suddenly came loose". !!!!!
That 5.3 is not the typical v8 it is a direct injected engine with vvt, known as the LT1, it shares some design ques from the LS1 line but it is different.
Hi Ray, I was wondering if you could simply run a extra reservoir to stir more vacuum like cars with big cams. Seems like you recently did such a thing on another vehicle. That didn’t make enough vacuum to operate heater controls ?
It’s just GM being GM. My son has a friend who worked as an engineer for GM, he said when there is a conflict between engineering and the designers, the designers most always win.
@@dwebs262 I used to support GM with their cateyes and OBS trucks, but nowadays a Yugo is a better option. They’ve gone so far downhill there’s no saving them anymore. The trucks are mediocre at best and complete money pits. Not to mention the rust problems in the newer generations here in the north. YIKES! I avoid GM nowadays.
@@zeropoint3518 I agree, especially after watching so many @SouthMainauto videos, I often wonder doesn’t anybody wash their vehicles when they get caked with salt? I mean it might slow down the process a tiny bit…😂
Hey Ray I really hope you see this. This video completely saved me today. I was in heavy stop and go traffic going down a slight hill in my 2016 silverado and out of nowhere my brake pedal was going all the way to the floor, felt like it never has before. Immediately I'm convinced I have no brakes, desperately looking for somewhere to turn off the freeway only to find out I'm many miles away from an exit, stuck in very heavy traffic. My heart starts racing and then all of a sudden I somehow remembered watching this video. I thought to myself "if he's right, then I should be able to rev the engine a little to get vacuum and the brakes should come back". I waited to create a gap in front of me and then hit the gas a little and tested my brakes after, and thankfully they came right back. At that point I was able to figure out I have this exact issue, and instead of stopping in massive traffic and getting a tow I was able to understand the issue, all from randomly deciding to watch this video only a few days before the incident. Seriously, thank you. And yes, I've already ordered my replacement parts,
Thanks for this video!! I had started having some issues w/ my brakes making a grinding sound after I was leaving the car wash. When in reverse, it got worse but seemed to go away. As long as I was driving, there was no sound of grinding. I had to let the truck sit for several days while waiting on a windshield washer pump to arrive. I repaired the pump (Which was a MAJOR PAIN. Unbelievable what was involved in that tiny little repair). After the fix, I got in truck and headed down the street while wash, wash, washing my windshield. I came to a stop sign and NO BREAKS. It took both feet to try to stop. I took it back to the shop that just 3wks earlier gave me a "free brake inspection" with zero problems found. I was furious!! I felt that the shop did NOT do any inspection and just set me aside so that I would be back later for a complete brake job. They removed all 4 tires, and it showed that I had excellent pads & rotors. (only 55k miles). Made NO sense. Now, after watching your video, this makes complete sense!!! I feel like a scumbag for my accusations to the shop and I owe a hundred apologies to the employees, the manager that took his time to inspect my brakes AGAIN, took pics, and called me to show me that my breaks were fine. He did this AT NO CHARGE!! So, "Rainman Ray", Thank you for this video and I am your newest subscriber... Thanks, "thebake"
How many accidents have happened due to this problem and vehicle owners not knowing? Unbelievable! Good thing you detected the problem and warned the owner.
I expect none. When the engine is revving there is a lot of vacuum. And if its nor revving still enough to press the brakes at least twice. These kind of issues happen when the engine is low revving. (Warm engine stationary) Like in a parking lot. Manual shift cars will also not have this issue I suppose
@@mauricevandoeselaar I can imagine what Ray was explaining. If you're in a parking lot, and have to go back and forth to either parking or leave, it might be a cause for an accident due to brake failure.
I work at a GM delaer. In like 2019 they came out with a recall for this to reprogram the electronic brake control module to use abs activation to slow the vehicle down in parking lot maneuvers. It obviously didn't work, just GM trying to mask the vacuum pump issue. There is special coverage out for vacuum pump replacement, but I'm seeing it's starting to expire on some trucks based on mileage and age. I can't count how many vacuum pumps I've replaced. But after replacement I've never seen one back for the same issue
Thanks for adding some info on how manufacturers try to put band aids on the problem to save $$$ instead of just fixing it correctly 👍
I too work at a GM dealership, and can confirm every bit of this is true. We actually performed this fix on a truck today. The special coverage campaign requires replacement of the vacuum pump and belt.
I responded to that recall and can attest to the fact the reprogram did not work
There were 3 different versions 2 in September 1 in October.
Hard pedal no brakes can occur on any vacuum boosted vehicle, if the vacuum booster is failing. This is the assist module which is on vehicles with DOD/AFM (LT1/LT4 engines). The GMT800 trucks had an assist module for the 4.3 as it apparently couldn't develop enough vacuum like the V8s, then there is hydroboost alternative which is ran off the power steering pump.
So i believe in some instances the reprogram worked and in some requires a new assist module and vacuum booster, worst case would be the master cylinder and abs/proportioning valve
GM always hides anything they should fix if it can save them from covering it... I've had this hard brake pedal issue and it's sketchy...too bad GM is pushing customers away because they make junk and won't fix known problems. Just like the AC condensers that leak, or the rockers that rust out, or the 8 speed transmission... They hide from replacing even under warranty and as soon as it's out of warranty they will sell you the fix you've been complaining about at the dealership.
Thank you for being honest and not trying to charge the job without checking for dealer warranty.
Back in the 60s to 90s (when vacuum controls were king) there was this thing called a vacuum reservoir, basically a metal can or plastic ball, that was inline on a major vacuum line to give additional vacuum for parking lot activity's.
That's true, but that reservoir kept vacuum applied to AC and heater controls mostly. The vacuum brake booster was plumbed separately.
Ford used a coffee can for that 😂
You really are the standard that all shops should be held. Thank you for what you do and how you do it.
Yes you are an honest mechanic! We need more of you!!
Just to let you know, I've been watching awhile now and I had to change plugs on an Elantra. In my 60 years of working on cars without hardly any knowledge, Ive never touched a coil on top of spark plug. Thanks to you, I was able to change same with only one broken connector but I think it was a success. Pay no attention to the detractors. You provide a valuable service. Thank you Sir!!!
I have a 2016 Sierra. It’s done this since day one, and I was never told anything about the service bulletin. Now at 240,000 miles, it’s too late and I’m on the hook for it. This should have been a recall from the start.
You must install a straw from the booster to the driver. It's the new emergency brake system.
I have a 2015 Silverado 40k miles with a 7-9inch lift kit. Replaced perfectly new brake pads.
I was thinking of upgrading brake disk and calipers because assumed it was due to lift kit having difficult stoping truck.
Good thing i came across this video.
And yes it only happens when i drive 1-3mph slowly when i try and inch back and forth to park truck after pressing/releasing brake peddle 3-5times.
Almost got me into accident multiple times.
Crazy how GM knows its an issue wont do recall had me spending money assuming its my lift kit.
I have had to be pressing on peddle as hard as i could in the parking lot while watching my truck continuing to slow move forward about 6inch to 1ft before stoping.
Experience and knowledge are priceless.
Most people wouldnt realize it was deficient and parking lot maneuvers would be hazardous.
GM doesnt notify or recall it.
Its a TSB for the situation where a customer notices.
Thats a terrible feeling as the truck drives into somebody or some thing in front of it or behind it.
an accident waiting to happen! what a crazy design. it should be covered due to it’s safety issue!
and a poor design! great find . wonderful video! and learned something new!
Love the wasp nest on the cap for the master brake cylinder.
Dirt Dauber
A lesser man and mechanic would've sent it. Example: I just got the entere suspension and steering system replaced on my beloved 2001 Honda Accord. I knew to ask "Did you align the car"? They. Did. Not. Apology from service manager accepted with prejudice. You Sir are a good man.
Ouch, they didn't have an in-house alignment rack in their shop?
I like the "vacuum pump delete mod" that connects the brake booster to the manifold vacuum (like all the cars used to do), and you remove the vacuum pump and "plug the oil holes",,,,AND you gotta DISABLE the AFM (V8-V4 mode) to make sure the vacuum never falls too low.
GM even sells a "vacuum pump delete kit" ... it's just the 2 plugs needed to seal the two oil galley holes.
I did wonder why an engine the size of a small house needs an extra vacuum pump!!!!😮
Vacuum booster by itself can cause a hard pedal if its failing in any vehicle.
I can't imagine AFM activating would cause an issue - With how and when it enables (driving down the highway), you'd have reserve built up for a panic stop, and it would still be creating vacuum, just maybe not quite as much as all 8 running, but at idle/parking lot speeds, no issue.
I had a 15 that had the pump replaced. In addition to the hard pedal i had pedal pulsing when in a drive thru and applying light pedal pressure to creep ahead. The dealer covered it outside of warranty no questions asked
Had that happen once with a ... probably a 60's full size Dodge sedan. Around 1970. Had nothing to do with repeated applications of brakes.
Got to where I was going, hit brakes. No assist.
Worked on way home, but I was terrified. Had booster replaced as I recall.
As a truck camper owner, this is the perfect storm. When loading a 2-3 ton camper supported on 4 corner jacks, the 8-10' reverse movement is never "first time-one time" with fractions of an inch along the bed rails. Imagine getting hung up while backing up and not having the brake response you're used to. There goes a $50K camper onto its side-
Hi Ray! I just wanted to say thank you again! I've been having some small issue in my car and without you and your videos, I wouldn't had the knowledge or the courage to tackle them myself. ❤
Excellent information on an issue swept under the rug!❤
Thank you.
Wow, can't believe they let that one skate by without a recall. Definitely a safety issue and GM knew it?
At least it would only be a low speed carpark nudge 😂
Gm is famous for avoiding recalls at all costs 😂
GM junk😊
@@joeymeyer3653ok ford not going into park and still rolling, happened in the 80s/90s and it still happens today, the pentastar 3.6 leaking oil before 100,000 miles or throwing a rod through the block? How about the ecoboost fiasco, ford and dodge aint any better and by far worse, try servicing a toyota or nissan for just a starter.
@@johnlarkin549 where people and their children walk.
That was a very interesting failure - thank you for describing it in detail.
Light aircraft use an engine-driven vacuum pump to run the instruments. There's an oil-lubricated version that lasts forever but requires an oil return system, and a dry pump that uses graphite vanes. Because airplane engines sometimes run W.O.T, there isn't manifold vacuum in normally arpirated ones and of course supercharged ones don't have manifold vacuum. They did make an "emergency" kit that uses manifold vacuum, but the engine must be operated at partial throttle.
There is an extended warranty from gm covering the vacuum pump belt and pump replacement to 10 years 150k miles. I have sent more than a dozen of them over to my local dealer and had them replaced at no charge.
Hey Ray,
Really appreciate your video. This was exactly what was happening to my wife's 2015 Tahoe. Because of the detail in your video I was able to correctly diagnose the issue and we were able to get the vacuum pump replaced utilizing the special extended warranty. Thanks for your great work!
I have the same year and the same problem I have 164k on my truck
Oh goody…a day without Ray is a day without gravity 😎 I just kind of floated around aimlessly all morning without vid
I replaced hundreds of vacuum pumps. I agree this is a real problem. If the owners of the trucks have any problems, they should not hesitate to take it to the dealership. I am a retired GM brake and front end mechanic. The pickup in my driveway that I purchased new is a 1990 Chevrolet 1/2 pickup. Brakes work just fine.
I have a 2017 1500 Chevy Silverado, this happened to me while pulling a camper in heavy traffic with my family. The brake pedal went to the floor and barely stopped us. It’s a miracle we didn’t crash. GM dealer told me it’s the compressor and they will cover the repair. I can’t believe this is not a recall.
Thanks for the heads up, I have a 17 Sierra 86,000 miles
Thank you for the education Ray.
I have a 2015 Silverado with 4.3L engine and have on occasion encountered the very issue you described. My truck is under 150k miles so will need to check with the dealership on if I fall under the extended warranty.
Thank you again.
Did you ever check? Having the same issue on my 2014 1500. I have 75,000 miles on mine and nearly had a heart attack on the interstate today when my brake pedal was stiff as a rock.
Toyota's have this vacuum pump mounted to the alternator on their Diesel engines. Yes, this pump is very expensive and I bought a brand new pump for a hilux 3L/5L engine and it was US$ 400! the pump works like a power steering pump with feather like slats that will extend as it spins.
Hard work and humility are truly commendable. Keep reaching.
Hooker headers.
I have noticed this situation on the vehicles i service at the dealership
My 2017 gmc Sierra 1500 ( 5.3) with 67k miles had the same problem and I called GM and explained the situation and they did cover the expense because of an extended warranty for that same problem. I took it to the GM dealership and explained the situation and at first they tried to not say anything about the extended warranty but I told them I called GM and they went ahead and fixed it with no charges.. I just had to wait a lil longer than usual because of parts shortage. They replaced the vacuum pump pulley and belt. Now my gmc sierra runs great with no more issues.
Ray your unique one of a kind ,your honesty is truly amazing and your so professional . I just wish other mechanic would follow you and do the same ,great job and video.
2016 Suburban w/ 5.3 L engine owner here. Had this issue AFTER the original warranty expired :{. The job is pretty easy, but the replacement pump had been back-ordered for a couple of months. Finally got it sorted.. Should have been recalled!
Dude go look it up, there is 1
I learned to drive cars back when they did not have brake boosters,
My 63 nor my 64ss impla had brake boosters on then the system was total hydrlic, you had to stand on the pedel fred Flintstone style to stop.
It wasn't until the 70s brake boosters started showing up.mostly on imports like Toyota.
yes - the old days when everything was an extra cost option. Power brakes had been around since the mid 50s - on luxury brands it was standard. On more basic lines (anything that wasn't Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln, Chrysler, Imperial) it was extra cost option. Near the mid 70s, power brakes became standard equipment
Good information to have. Thanks Ray.
Had the. Hard brake pedal happen many years ago in a 1973 Gremlin. Never knew why until now.
Dude thank you!!! This was spot on. Too bad I didn't see this before changing all the breaks and servicing the emergency break.
Great video. Just a thought. You might want to invest in an articulated bore scope. Not expensive and a lot less hassle.
Good to know. My Brother in law has a late model GMC Sierra Sherrod edition
My daughter had a 2008 Trailblazer which had a problem with the fuel level sensor. Chevrolet never addressed it as a recall. She was always running low on gas and ran out on a local bridge. Naturally when drivers saw a car parked on the BIG bridge they thought of suicide and called the authorities. She called me for gas and I was shocked to see the police response to a car stopped on the bridge when I took a can of gas to her. After that I took it to the dealer and they replaced the fuel level sensor. they did give me a break on the cost but I still ended up paying for it.
You could have bought 1 and not deal with a dealership.
Maybe you should taught your daughter to check the odometer (tripmeter) or the amount of Miles left and have a clue about miles per gallon. If you know the meter is failing some math can help you. Just common sense I guess. maybe it's because I am European and try to solve the issue first instead of who can I blame for it. Things break down nothing to do with dealership or make or model.
Thank you, Ray, for this video! I own a 2017 Silverado and have experienced this issue a couple of times when pulling into my garage. I had to stand on the brake pedal to get it to stop. Both times I thought, "What the heck was that?!!?". Now i know! I'm contacting my dealership for an appointment to get this repaired! I'm only at 75,000 miles, so im hoping it's covered.
Did you ever check to see if it was covered? Having the same issue on my 2014 1500. I have 75,000 miles on mine and nearly had a heart attack on the interstate today when my brake pedal was stiff as a rock.
Hey ray you saved me hundreds of dollars and 3-4 hours of time by telling me there was a tsb on my 2014 Silverado for fixing this.I was going to replace this my self because of the hard pedal issue. I had already fired the parts cannon with the brake cylinder and that didn't solve the problem. You were correct about the 150,000 extended warranty.
Vacuum pump, same thing happened on my Suburban a couple years ago. The dealer took care of it because there was a special service bulletin on it.
Great job calling this out.... Why in tarnation did they add complexity with an additional pump? Does the engine not create sufficient vaccum anymore?
I think it has to do with two or four cylinders being deactivated by AFM to increase fuel economy. If running on four cylinders at higher engine load (lower manifold vacuum), there may not be sufficient vacuum to provide adequate boost. I don't know for certain, but that sounds reasonable for adding a usually unnecessary part.
Yep. Our company has a bunch of these and everyone has had this issue
I am just imagining the carnage at the boat ramps, yikes!
Very interesting, Ray. I do wonder why GM went with vacuum boost if the engine cannot produce enough vacuum. After all, GM used Hydroboost brakes for many years, and quite reliably. Ford and Ram have also used Hydroboost in applications where engine vacuum may be insufficient.
It's due to cylinder deactivation, which ford and dodge suffer from too..
I know the vacuum booster on any vehicle can cause a hard pedal if it fails. Hydroboost has failed too.
Former gm tech here. Untold amount of these replacements. Should definitely be a recall. Even the vacuum pumps on the ecotech 4 cylinder ones seize too. It's camshaft driven so I've seen one snap the camshaft in half and crack the cylinder head. gm can not design these pumps to save their lives lol
It is go look it up
@@shadowopsairman1583 special coverage or recall? How long ago?
Was there a lot of transmission concerns with the the 17-18 trucks? Lookin to buy a new truck and I’ve been looking at a 17-18 Silverado with the 6 speed and a decent amount of people are saying that they’ve had to replace transmissions at 80-120k miles. Just curious if you ran into any of this.
@@spencerh8042 didn't see many transmissions hard fail or burn up with the 6 and 8 speeds, the biggest issue was always the torque converter shudder which I think the latest fix was flushing with a new design fluid
I was hoping there would be a video today, Friday March 1st, 2024. Thank you all at Rays Repairs. Oh no, No wife unit mandatory appearance. Hahah have a great day and weekend everyone...😊
Fantastic video Ray.... That is a safety issues... Major issue!!!
Great public service announcement! Good job!
huge thank you for the information. I had not heard about that and my co-workers did not mention anything about that when I worked as a mechanic.
Those vacuum pumps will make a clicking/knocking sound also!
Wouldn't it run out in traffic starting and stopping, like traffic jam,? thanks for sharing, all the best to you and your loved ones
Have a 2016 there was a recall when it was about a year old never had a problem before or after
I have a 2015 silverado and the dealer replaced it under warranty at 130 k.
No problem since then.
In the late 70,s Dad was experimenting with a Detroit Diesel 353 or 351 in a 71 F250, and a diesel has no vacuum and had a pump that sort of looked like that one, only made out of steel, to run the brake booster, he had the same issue. He made a small tank and run the vac pump into , at least at idle you could still get about 6 or 7 pumps, before it went hard. This thing was kinda cool to drive as a kid, you just had to have some common sense, 67 mph up hill or down with a granny low 4 speed, at 2800rpm and thats all your going to get out of it, and noisy as hell, all the power you could ask for, or dared to tow with it, and 25mpg, and you dared NOT to kick it out of gear to do any coasting on long hills due to this issue!!. I could see a issue and a fender bender happen in bumper to bumper traffic on a steep hill at idle , towing something or loaded heavy in the bed with AC going to!!!
interesting to see a vacuum pump used on a gasoline engine - in the past, manifold vacuum was used / Diesels used hydroboost systems since there's no engine vacuum present with that system
My 2011 MKX had a Brake Booster failure and it was replaced free by the Dealer long after the warranty expired. It was only a service bulletin. The Brake Pedal would just bleed off to the Floor.
Cool heads up. Thanks for the upload.
Worst come to worst, if you lose brakes while moving slowly, put the shifter to neutral to cut off the power from the engine.
Thanks Ray for the brake info,I have a 2015,no problem yet but at least I know what to watch out for.
Good advise Ray
Great video Ray. Now I'm most interested to know what is that blob on top of the master cylinder reservoir cap?
Could you install a secondary vacuum reservoir to increase the volume of vacuum available? Probably cheaper than the pump replacement if GM denies the claim.
I have a GMC Sierra and i'm going to do this parking lot test on mine, I noticed something weird a few days ago when applying brakes that it seemed like I didn't have much braking power (compared to normal) but it only happened the one time and in the last couple days I haven't noticed any braking issues.
Just look up vacuum assist recall gm, and you will find 3 articles, 2 from September of 2019 and 1 from October,
Yes my first incident was at a drive thru and almost hit car in front of me after I was standing to press all the brakes , I looked up on UA-cam about the problem of brakes getting stiff and I saw so many had the same issues and all you have to do is call GM and they will check your truck information to verify if under 150k miles and then they’ll tell you just take it to the dealership but you must tell the dealership you already called GM so they won’t try to charge you to get fix. Lol. There is an extended warranty coverage only if the brakes fail. lol
Remember when they used a large tin can under the hood for extra vacuum boost now they use them for mufflers😂
Had a 2000 Silverado with the same problem. Pulled into parking lot,hit the brake nothing. Had hard brake petal . Took out relay for antilock. Problem solved.
Excellent video. I watch your channel for the information and knowledge you present. Well done Ray
I hate these vacuum pumps they used something similar on a 1982 blazer with the 6.2l diesel was always having issues
I am sitting here in a west coast snow storm and I was hoping that this was a one hour video, I could use that right now ! But i will settle fora Rainman 11 minute one
You need to look into getting yourself a DepsTech DS630 borescope. The camera is articulated to make looking around a lot easier. The image quality is also pretty good.
i was a gm tech for about 11 years, im almost sure i have seen maybe a tsb for the vacuum pump on the engine. for the 14-18 1500's
BAM. Early crew checking in.
This has to be the FIRST TIME I have ever heard Ray call one a silver-ROD-o and not silver-RAY-do or silvery-RAY-do
I have a 2017 Silverado and having the same issue where the right front caliper doesn’t release after letting go of the brake pedal in the last couple weeks I’ve gone through 4 calipers and 4 rotors and pads and the dealer where I got it blames it on a bad caliper when it’s not
2 or 3 yr ago, i heard when it goes bad, it fill brake booster full of oil. but gm never made a recall for some reason, think i saw it on 1 the car wizard old video
Good grief what an excellent find! Wonder why GM hasn't been a bit more proactive for peoples safety... 😵💫😵💫🙂
Because they simply do not care.
Money. A recall for repair of the problem would cut into corporate profits.
I was so looking to see you replace the vacuum pump, do you have that video somewhere else? :)
Wow, no good coasting down a big hill then!!!!😮
my 94 gmc 4x4 did that on start up. was told to rev engen befor moving truck.
Nice fix😂
Thanks for the video.
I have a 21' Tahoe with 30k on it and brakes stopped working while wife was driving. Took it to dealer and they are replacing the master cylinder under warranty
super clean 2016...pretty...can you get the pressure off the old one before replacing? I am guessing its not pressure but can not supply enough volume.
What about fwy stop and go driving? Looks like a good opportunity for a rear end collision to car in front of you
I had a recall performed for a soft brake issue. I was told they had to reprogram the computer. I had a front leveling block installed along with the front end alignment. About two years later, I was doing an oil change and found out My front sway bar was loose. One of the nuts was missing on one side and very loose on the other. I assume they just left it loose when they installed the leveling kit.
I had a GM dealer "quote" me some absurd price for a whole bunch of suspension work that was "urgently needed" (there was NOTHING wrong prior to the normal service). A few days later I started to notice a rattle and the steering slightly off. I got a quote (much CHEAPER) from a specialist suspension centre, and took my car in, with the list of "urgently needed" repairs. 1/2 day later I was informed "I'll charge you a $14 inspection fee, but I didn't do ANY of the work as it didn't need to be done". "Oh, btw, we tightened you sway bar as part of the inspection - DON'T KNOW HOW that suddenly came loose". !!!!!
Great video old Ray type video. Most excellent
That 5.3 is not the typical v8 it is a direct injected engine with vvt, known as the LT1, it shares some design ques from the LS1 line but it is different.
Yep, mine happen the same way, but at 40 mph and as result unable to prevent the unthinkable? 😢😢😢😢
Great find…thanks for sharing
Hmm I never saw you test for sufficient vacuum with a gauge.
What was wrong with just using engine vacuum like been around forever?
Question I had a 70 Dodge 4x4 I replaced everything under the hood and wheels cylinders and had a hard break pedal from the get go why?
Hi Ray, I was wondering if you could simply run a extra reservoir to stir more vacuum like cars with big cams. Seems like you recently did such a thing on another vehicle. That didn’t make enough vacuum to operate heater controls ?
Store more vacuum
It’s just GM being GM.
My son has a friend who worked as an engineer for GM, he said when there is a conflict between engineering and the designers, the designers most always win.
Don't you mean accountants?
@@TheFirstStater I get what you are saying but it was a make it fit in our design, not let’s design it so it fits.
@@dwebs262 I used to support GM with their cateyes and OBS trucks, but nowadays a Yugo is a better option. They’ve gone so far downhill there’s no saving them anymore. The trucks are mediocre at best and complete money pits. Not to mention the rust problems in the newer generations here in the north. YIKES! I avoid GM nowadays.
@@zeropoint3518 I agree, especially after watching so many @SouthMainauto videos, I often wonder doesn’t anybody wash their vehicles when they get caked with salt? I mean it might slow down the process a tiny bit…😂
And the accountants outrank both...
Thanks Ray