How to Fix Spongy Brakes in a 2006 GMC Sierra
The owner of a 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 reported that the brake pedal was spongy and that the car’s brakes had become unresponsive. After the brake warning light illuminated, the contact noticed that the brake lines were corroded and brake fluid was leaking. He did not take the vehicle to a dealer for service but he notified the manufacturer of the problem.
Problems with spongy brakes
Soft brakes can be caused by several factors, including too much air in the braking system, low brake fluid, and a ballooning brake hose. Fortunately, there are several easy solutions to fix spongy brakes in a 2006 GMC Sierra.
The first option is to take the vehicle to a mechanic. The technician will recalibrate the brake control module. The service is free. The NHTSA started investigating this problem last year, and has recalled some vehicles in the U.S. for the same issue. The NHTSA has received 111 reports of problems with the brakes, including nine crashes with two injuries. However, GM says that the problem occurs rarely and usually occurs at low speeds.
The problem can also be caused by a problem with the ABS pump. If the ABS pump has gone bad, the ABS warning light will illuminate. It will also display a fault code. This fault code must be read with a scan tool. It is important to get your brakes fixed at the first sign of trouble, because the brakes are an important safety feature.
Changing brake fluid is another easy solution to the problem. You need to replace the old brake fluid with DOT 3 brake fluid.
Changing brake fluid
Your 2006 GMC Sierra may need to have its brake fluid changed at some point. Changing the fluid is an important step, since dirty brake fluid will affect the brake system’s performance. Check the color of the fluid to make sure it’s clear and not brown or black. If the fluid is too dark, it means there are contaminants in the brake fluid, which reduces the system’s pressure and compromises its ability to perform properly.
The brake pedal was stuck at the floor during a road trip. When we pulled up to a service station, we discovered a puddle of brake fluid underneath the vehicle. The puddle was caused by a corroded brake line, which caused the brake fluid to leak.
To change the brake fluid, you need to first remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir. Then, you need to hook up the brake fluid flusher to your air compressor. This will pull out the old fluid and keep new fluid coming in. You will also need to use a tire iron to loosen lug nuts on the wheels.
In case you’re unsure about which brake lines need to be replaced, you can consult the owner’s manual or a shop manual. Both have similar brake line routing diagrams. If your brake lines are too worn or rusted, consider buying a new kit. You can also check your car’s ABS computer, which is located in a strange place under the driver’s seat.
Checking for moisture and contamination
There are several ways to check for moisture and contamination in brake fluid. One of these ways is to use a brake fluid tester. You can purchase a refractometer at a parts store or buy one online. You will want to dip the test strip in a sample of the fluid and wait for 60 seconds. The refractometer works by measuring the change in refractive index of the fluid. You should also check for copper in the fluid, which means there’s corrosion on metal brake parts.
If you notice any contaminants or water in the brake fluid, it’s time to have your fluid changed. You should also check your owner’s manual for the recommended interval. The fluid should be a clear, amber color. Do not add any more fluid unless you’re certain there’s a problem.
Moisture and contamination in brake fluid reduces the boiling point of the fluid and can damage the brake system. A lower boiling point also reduces the braking power and reduces performance under extreme conditions. It also damages the paint finish. Changing your brake fluid is not a DIY project. A mechanic should do this.
It’s important to check your brake fluid if you’ve been driving a while. The new DOT 3 brake fluid is made to meet the specifications set by the Department of Transportation. This type of fluid has a minimum boiling point of 401o F. When contaminated with water, the temperature can drop as much as 25 degrees. DOT 4 brake fluid is different. It has a higher boiling point than DOT 3, but absorbs moisture more easily. As a result, it loses its heat resistance more quickly. The boiling point of DOT 4 brake fluid can drop as much as 50%.
