Expert: Robert Summers - 10/23/2008

Question
I have a 97 Blazer and am having a little problem with the brakes.  First, they're soft to me.  Almost like I have to press them to the floor.  If I pump them, it gets a bit better, but not much, and not for long.  Next, it seems like they're sticking somewhere.  I dunno why, but I just get this grinding noise from both drivers side wheels.  All I can figure is that.

The fluid is a good color, and full, brake pads and rotors are new, and the calipers seem to move in and out freely when I changed the rotors and pads.  (I always check)  What am I missing here?

Also, I have a click inside, like a turn signal click.  Only, it comes and goes, but goes away no matter what, when the brake pedal is depressed.  Any help would be awesome.  Thanks.

Jeff

Answer
Hi Jeff.... spongey brake pedal usually means that you have air in the brake system... bleed the brakes... grinding noise could be that you have the backing plate rubbing on the rotors and or if you have drums on the rear the hold down springs for the shoes are broke... if you have rear drum brakes you may need to adjust the up as poor adjustment will give you lots of travel in the pedal...make sure that the sliders on the calipers are free and that the calipers are only barely releaseing.... hope this helps