I have two Excursions, one 2000, one 2001. The 2000 has never had this issue. The 2001 has done this to me 3 times now on a very busy portion of I-10. It is scary in traffic.

If I have to brake quickly and firmly, everything works and the truck brakes but... the brakes hold and will not release. I've gone from a 60-70 mph cruise to a very fast stop and then, bam, I can't "go." It's like I'm still standing on the brakes. I've put my shoe under the brake and pulled up, nothing. I've rapidly grabbed the emergency brake release and released, nothing. I've pumped the brakes, nothing. During these seconds, all I can imagine is how I am about to be rear-ended. After about 20-30 seconds, the brakes release and everything normalizes.

Seeing cars zooming at me in my rearview mirror, I've stood on the gas pedal (diesel) and floored it, and it was clear that the motor was overpowering the brakes, the brakes were burning to the point where I could smell it inside the vehicle.

This "sticking" brake issue has not happened on my 2000 model.

Anyone heard of such a thing or have any fixes in mind?

Thanks!

 

man that sounds like a thrillride!

 

sounds like your flex lines are collapsing.. that or "dirt" (not the most accurate term) has either broken off or built up in or near the lines.. with light stops your pushing a small amount of brake fluid into the calipers... something your systems apparently handling well.. but with the hard stops your pushing a higher flow with greater force into the calipers and because of the restriction its taking time to bleed the pressure back off the pistons holding your pads against the rotors..

 

It would be nice to know if only one caliper, 2 or 4 are locking up. If it happens again maybe you can get to someplace to check and see what's hot.

I would do as suggested above and replace all flex hoses and completely flush the system. I would do it right away.

When I replaced mine I went with stainless and the braking is much more solid. The link below is just an example. You can shop around and get a little better price.

 

I would take it to a road where I could conduct a test. Drive it and step on the brakes a little hard but not too much, then drive, do that a few times and get out and check your brake temps with an IR thermometer. That will at least let you know if it's a problem with a corner or two or if it's the whole system. I check mine once in a while just so I'm familiar with normal temps so when there is a problem I can better identify it.

 

This sounds good to me. If it's both front or both rear or even all four I would think it's the master cylinder. Wouldn't hurt to change all the brake lines as an upgrade. I bought some but have yet to install them. Could even be the hydro boost also. Had to change mine out because of a small leak. Let us know what you find. We don't here of this kind of problem very often.

 

arent these new reliable vehicles awesome?