1997 GM jimmy break pedal is to hard to press and truck seems to want to stall.?

Question

Just looking for a little advice and to try and save some cash. Thanx in advance

Answer 1

we all agree that you have a vacuum leak. more than likely at the hose between the booster and the engine. the booster it self could also be the problem. i have seen that once. that leak would definitely cause the engine to lack the power to remain running.

Answer 2

Check the vacuum hose going to the brake booster it could be cracked or broken causing the engine to lose vacuum (stalling). This would also cause the brake pedal to become hard to push just as if the engine wasn't running because there would be no assist from the booster. The booster diaphram could also be ruptured causing a vacuum loss. If you can't find anything wrong with the hose try pinching the hose with a pair of pliers while the engine is idling and see if it runs okay then. If it does then you definitely have a booster diaphram leak (new booster).

Answer 3

Yup sounds like a bad brake booster.

Answer 4

Sounds like you have a vacuum leak somewhere.  When you press on the brake pedal, do you hear a hissing noise from under the dash?  If so, your booster is bad and will need to be replaced.  

If its not leaking, open the hood and trace the vacuum line from the booster to the intake manifold and make sure its not cracked, broken or chaffed against any brackets.  

Answer 5

Sounds like a vacuum connection came loose.

The power brakes use engine vacuum for their booster; no vacuum - hard to press brakes.

With a loose / broken vacuum connection, the engine's fuel / air mixture is too lean - result: stalling.

Look for a vacuum hose which has become disconnected or has split / broken from age.

Answer 6

The power brakes on your truck are more than likely vacuum operated.  If it stalls when you step on the brakes try this, remove the vac hose from the brake booster (behind the master cylinder) and try driving it.   It will be harder to stop because you will have no power brakes during this tests.  If the booster is your problem the truck will no longer stall.  If this points to the booster then replace the booster.  When the brake booster is busted the vacuum from the engine leaks out and makes it stall.  If you have a mechanic friend who can help you just ask him or her to check the power brake booster.   If the truck does this ll the time and the brakes ar hard all the time it can be as simple as the vac line is just unconnected at or near the booster or it is cracked .  Listen for a hiss noise when the engine is running