I have a 1990 Gmc 1500 and recently I have noticed that I have no rear brakes at all. the parking brake works, but no regular brakes. the brake light now stays on all the time. When I take the drums off and push the petal the shoes move. I bled the lines and replaced the fluid to no avail. Has any one else had this problem? What do I need to do to fix it?"

How Did You Determine That You Have No Rear Breakes. Is It Hard To Stop. My Brother Inlaw Just Bought A 92 That Has The Same Problem The Break Light Stays On. It Wasnt Like That When He Bought It. I Found That The Controle Mod Was Disconnected Or Made To Look Like It Was Connected. All Of The Pins On The Connector Were Bent. When I Straight In Them Out And Reconnected It That When The Break Light Came On.

It is hard to stop when it is loaded. My biggest tip off what that I have replaced the front brakes 3 times since I bought it and the rear shows no wear at all. The brake light actually flashes it doesnt stay on all the time

The rear brakes need periodic adjustment. They are supposed to be self adjusting but only when you backing up and put the brakes on in reverse. Even then they still don't adjust enough to keep up with wear and tear on the front brakes. The best rule of thumb to is buy a brake spoon and turn the star wheel yourself about every oil change. Turn the adjuster just enough so there is ever so slight drag when you turn the rear wheel.


Bill

Thanks I will check that out this weekend, but it wouldnt make the brake light come on would it? The light isnt on steady it flashes.

Replacing your front discs 3 times to your read drums is not at all uncommon.

I would think that, like most vehicles, your brake light only comes on for low fluid levels, especially when braking heavy or going up/down a big hill.

I thought the same thing for a long time & it turned out to be an overactive, paranoid imagination. I wouldn't sweat it. My little (overworked) S-10 has had 3 sets put on the front. I checked the rear brakes, they were properly adjusted & looked like the pads were brand new.

Most likely, your rear brakes are waaay out of adjustment. Whe they are that far out, often they won't self adjust either. This could cause the brake warning lamp to come on too. It senses a pressure imbalance. If rear brakes are kept properly adjusted, you will go through two sets of front pads to one set of rear shoes.

I adjusted the rear brakes this weekend. the drivers side was way out of wack. The passengers side was slightly out. The brake light is still on though. Is there soem way to reset it?

I have 65,000 miles on my 98 and have never touched the rear brake pads. I check them often and they are always good. I have no stopping problems. I have replaced the front 3 times.

I adjusted the rear brakes this weekend. the drivers side was way out of wack. The passengers side was slightly out. The brake light is still on though. Is there soem way to reset it?

Is there slack in your parking brake line? If so, that could be triggering the brake light.

Also, how does the pedal feel when you apply the brakes? If it goes almost to the floor it will trigger the brake light.

I will have to look into the parking cable. I have to have the beast inspected this month so I gotta get it fixed. :banghead: :crazy: