I have read some past post, but haven't found anything specific to my problem. Last year a shadetree mechanic friend of mine installed new OEM brakes and pads in my 96 Camaro because the pads were thin and squealing. Ever since then my parking brake light does not come on, but does seem to be working when applied.

Anyway, the brakes were fine the first few days, but soon after short trips around town, the brake pedal would begin to soften or even shutter when applied...similar to brake fade, but from just a short trip. I have also noticed the parking brake doesn't hold very well. When I get back in the car (and it's parked at an incline) you can actually hear and feel the brakes allowing the wheels to rotate.

I took it to the local brake shop, but they only said the brakes were glazed and "resurfaced" them (grinded some groves in them). They said the pads and rotors seem fine. Even after that "inspection" I still have the same problems. What do you guys think I should check next? Does this sound like a master cylinder problem? BTW, every now and then I still hear a squeal when braking.

Thanks.

 

The shuddering MAY be caused by a warped rotor and could even be causing your brake fade. Resurfacing will fix the problem,BUT it can come back again,I would replace the rotors.

 

Sorry, should have mentioned that we did replace the rotors and front pads once already, but the problem still exists.

 

You could have a sticking caliper(not releasing all the way)causing the fluid to get hot,and you could have some air ,and or moistor in the lines. Have you bled the lines?

 

No, but good thinking. What do you think about the fact that the brakes (specifically the E-brake) don't hold for very long? They seem to be losing pressure, or heating up very fast.

 

e-brakes are mechanical, for emergencies, incase of hydraulic failure and other stuff, they dont use hydraulic pressure, and if they are used only for parking, they dont get very warm, the heat is caused by friction, the car doesnt move, so no force being applied on the shoes/pads

check your brake hoses
whenever doing brakes they tell u not to let your calipers hang from the brake hose, because the heavy caliper can damage the brake hose, giving u leaks

check the parking brakeswitch, maybe just the switch is faulty which is why you dont have a light anymore