[Sandro]

Hi all,

Sorry to ask this again. I searched the previous threads/posts already but I wanted to check if any one had any update/suggestion.

I have started enjoying my "new" 2005 Suburban. I really really like it overall and I am very happy about my recent purchase.

But, I am finding the brakes a kind of slow to react. I always have to push the pedal more than expected and there is no initial "bite" really. Not that the brakes don't work, they stop the vehicle fine. But they feel slower to react than I would expect. I just had the brake system inspected by an authorized service shop and they found nothing wrong. Pads are 75% left, pressure tested the system, fluid is fine.

As I understood reading the previous threads posted, it appears that this might be "normal" the way the system is designed. So, I wanted to check again if anyone has been able to improve the "feeling" by using maybe steel braided lines, or softer brake pads, or anything else. Since my primary use of this vehicle is to tow my trailer, I would really like to have the best brakes as possible.

Thank you in advance for your advices.

- Sandro

 

[Crawdaddy]

by nature, truck brakes have a "lighter" feel to them when you brake. There isn't the initial bite, and they ease on nicely to a nice firm hold. I don't know why this is done, but I personally like it over car brakes. And trust me, you DON'T want car brakes on a truck, they grab like crazy. Dodge Durangos have what feels to be car brakes on a truck and the instant you touch those brakes, the tires want to start locking up on you.

 

[Sandro]

by nature, truck brakes have a "lighter" feel to them when you brake. There isn't the initial bite, and they ease on nicely to a nice firm hold. I don't know why this is done, but I personally like it over car brakes. And trust me, you DON'T want car brakes on a truck, they grab like crazy. Dodge Durangos have what feels to be car brakes on a truck and the instant you touch those brakes, the tires want to start locking up on you.

Thank you Christopher. That being the case, I guess I will just have to get used to it. Incidentally, before this Suburban, I went through two Ford Bronco (1982 and 1990) and, I have to say, I never felt that way.

- Sandro

 

[dwill3015]

My wife's 01 Suburban is the same way. i have heard that the brakes are too small for such a heavy truck. My 06 2500HD Silverado w/diesel is very heavy but the brakes work effortlessly and she stops on a dime! OK, a few dimes but it would be nice to put bigger brakes on the 1500 Suburbans.

 

[Crawdaddy]

I never said my truck stopped on a dime, but it does stop pretty darn quick. :glasses: I run a mid-90s Bronco quite often and it has very similar response as my suburban on the brakes. I drive a 06 Ford F-250 and it also has a very similar brake response. I would like to upgrade the brakes on the 'burb, but I can't seem to find any brake upgrades other than stainless brake lines for less than a grand. Braking power for me is MUCH more important to me than engine power.

 

[Sandro]

Has anyone used the Hawk LTS pads? They seem to enjoy quite favorable reviews:

http://www.autoanything.com/brakes/61A2910A0A0.aspx

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brakecomments_all.jsp?make=Hawk&model=LTS+Truck/SUV+Pads&group=null

They use a ferro-carbon compound. I have been using Hawk HP+ pads (also ferro-carbon material) in my autox Rx7 and they are awesome. Significantly better than OE pads. The only problem is the lot of dusts they make - not an issue for me.

I am with Christopher. Braking power is for me much more important than engine power - although I am quite happy with my 440 lb-ft torque :happy:

 

[cchas14]

I have recently purchased a 1991 1500 4x4 and the brakes seem soft/soggy to me as well. I was wondering if spending that much on the Hawk brakes is worth it? I am getting ready to replace the rear drums and shoes, so I would like to know what the censis is on the Hawks. Plus I am hoping that the new drums will give me a more solid pedal.

 

[Sandro]

I have recently purchased a 1991 1500 4x4 and the brakes seem soft/soggy to me as well. I was wondering if spending that much on the Hawk brakes is worth it? I am getting ready to replace the rear drums and shoes, so I would like to know what the censis is on the Hawks. Plus I am hoping that the new drums will give me a more solid pedal.

$65 at TireRack for the front pads

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/resu...toYear=1991&autoModClar=&brand=&category=Pads

You only need them in the front.

Soggy/spongy feeling is likely due to air/moisture in the braking fluid. If your fluid is old, you may want to replace it with new fluid.

 

[Pete95Sierra]

chevys are notorious for having squishy brakes... steel braided brake lines are definatly worth installing they make a big difference

 

[oscar01]

I have a 2001 Suburban 1500 and have replaced the front rotors with sloted and dimpled rotors. I have used Hawk pads as well as EBC Green stuff pads and like them both. Unfortunately I've neglected them for a while and notice the front rotors are groved because I haven't changed my pads. Oh well the rotors lasted a good 5 years. Does anyone have a recomendation for replacement rotors? OEM rotors are worthless and there is all the way up to $200 per rotor. So I'm not sure what will give me the best bang for my buck. Thanks

 

[Kraziken]

The 2000+ Burbans do have brake upgrades. If you are willing to spend the dime, Stoptech makes larger brakes in the front and I think rear (disc brake conversion).

I've been trying to figure out if the 1992-1999 Burbans or my generation has anything, but I haven't seen it.

 

[Pete95Sierra]

I'm not sure if they make them for your rig but my buddy just replaced the brakes on his F-150 with Baer Decelarotors and the are amazing to say the least... they were a little pricey but are cross drilled and slotted and made a huge difference

 

[collinsperformance]

i heard these beasts have the truck portional valve and there was a recall to replace it. this will put more power to the rear brakes and making them help stop the beast better. i too would add the braided steel lines they will not "Balloon" like the rubber ones and assist in line pressure. the only other step would be to upgrade to hydro assist brakes. .......mike

 

[Kraziken]

Here's a link to one site that has SToptechs.

http://www.raceshopper.com/stoptech_big_brake_kits.shtml

Big brake kits usually do cost an arm and a leg. All I can say is, I do have a Stoptech kit on my Subaru, and it's amazing.

I did some digging and found out there is a company called SSBC that makes brake systems for the 92-99 Burbans.

http://www.ssbrakes.com/