Mysterious Brake Problem

Asked by Sheila Apr 17, 2016 at 07:20 AM about the 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 99 Monte Carlo. The brake pedal
started to get really stiff and wouldn't go
down when I would drive more than 15
minutes. Plus the car would start to shake , I
would feel resistance when I accelerate, and
I would smell that burning brake smell. So I
had the rear brakes replaced. Three days
later I had the same problem. I had the front
brakes replaced. Three days later same
thing. Got the hoses replaced. Three days
later started doing it again. Got the master
cylinder replaced. Mechanic says that has to
be it, there's nothing left to replace. The car
has been fine for several weeks and now the
brake pedal is getting stiff and the car is
starting to shake when I drive 20 minutes to
half hour, and I feel the resistance. I don't
know what more to do except get rid of the
car! Please help!

7 Answers

223,905

The piece the master cylinder is attached to is the Brake Booster. These will go bad and make the brake pedal hard to push, and may cause the brakes to lock up. Sounds like that brake booster needs replacing.

1 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful
65,510

Also could be a bad or sticking proportioning valve to test when brakes start the vibrate jack both front wheel up then try to turn by hand if both are locked up most likely valve is sticking or bad.

159,075

@firebird338....Proportioning valve? It is a dual master cylinder, no proportioning valve.

Thank You! I wonder why it is fine for a while after I get it fixed and then the problem comes back?

get your abs pump bled. air trapped in pump causes that. It wont go away untill you do that.

Your Answer:

Monte Carlo

Looking for a Used Monte Carlo in your area?

CarGurus has 7 nationwide Monte Carlo listings starting at $3,000.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    James Sparrow
    Reputation
    1,050
  • #2
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    990
  • #3
    John Saffrahn
    Reputation
    720
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Impala
10 Great Deals out of 110 listings starting at $4,632
Used Chevrolet Camaro
16 Great Deals out of 307 listings starting at $9,995
Used Chevrolet Corvette
28 Great Deals out of 1,058 listings starting at $15,871
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
20 Great Deals out of 904 listings starting at $11,900
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
195 Great Deals out of 5,967 listings starting at $2,975
Used Buick Regal
5 Great Deals out of 35 listings starting at $5,600
Used Cadillac Escalade
21 Great Deals out of 379 listings starting at $6,900
Used Ford Mustang
65 Great Deals out of 1,258 listings starting at $4,995
Used Chevrolet Malibu
54 Great Deals out of 1,151 listings starting at $1,295
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
122 Great Deals out of 3,221 listings starting at $4,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.