Brakes: Soft or not?

[crestapre]

OK guys I'm new to this forum and to large GM vehicles.
My last SUV was a Toyota 4Runner.
When I hit the brakes in the 4Runner they would grab and I could throw you into the dash if I jambed them on.

I recently purchased a 2005 Yukon and the brakes feel soft to me. I've had two GMC dealers and a Meineke tell me that they just have the "GM" brake feel and that they look fine. The vehicle seems to slow and stop ok in regular traffic but I am concerned about an emergency stop. I've tried to jamb the brakes but it doesn't stop the way that I would like.

I also tow a large boat and am very concern that I won't even be able to stop it.

Any info out there?

 

[MadMedwyn]

I will agree with you that the brakes on these do feel soft. I've had my truck since it was a year old and this has always been the case. I would get in my mother's '06 Grand Cherokee and the brakes would feel twice as grabby as mine. I have also driven a friend's Suburban and his brakes dont feel any different from mine.

If your pads are ok like the mechanic said, then your next best bet is to bleed the brakes. It can't hurt.

 

[DenaliAnyone]

stainless steel brake lines will stiffen up the brakes quite a bit. Goodridge has some quality ones.

 

[MadMedwyn]

True, just get steel braided lines and bleed the brakes at the same time.

 

[ugachs24]

I've always driven GM, so I don't notice it unless I drive a rental car or something, but they are pretty soft on this body style. I actually like it, it makes the ride smoother in traffic, but I know what you're talking about, I thought the same thing when I got mine. The new body style are a little firmer, but they actually do really well if you're pulling a trailer or need to stop quick. Slam them on and they'll grab hard and throw you towards the dash. It's like after you push past a certain point all of a sudden they'll grab hard, that may be the hydroboost kicking in.

 

[Gordo]

True, step on them past half way and youll be kissing the windshield!

 

[crestapre]

Thanks for the replies guys.
The SST brake lines sounds like a good inexpensive way to solve some of the softness in the brakes. I’ll defiantly give that a try.