99-02 GMC/Chevy truck owners

[insaneracin2003]

Hey guys,i ran into a lil problem the other day,i have a 2000 GMC sierra reg. cab with the 4.3 vortec v-6.i went to get an inspection and my truck failed because the emergancy break wouldnt stop the truck,i only used my e-brake a couple of times throughout my ownership of the vehicle.The tech at the station said that there was a flaw in the e-brake system that when the e-brake is set for the first time the e-brake pads will sit in that location and just eventually wear out.did any-one have this problem before and how hard is it to put new pads on the e-brake?i am mechanically inclined so i can do the work i just never did this kind of brake job before,and lord knows im not letting the dealer touch my truck again.....thanks guys....Paul

[represent618]

if pads do need replaced, it`s a cake-walk, anyone like auto-zone will cary a cheap set of pads that are every bit as good as the oem equip, prolly a 30 minute job (provided the right tools are available).........

[insaneracin2003]

Originally posted by represent618
if pads do need replaced, it`s a cake-walk, anyone like auto-zone will cary a cheap set of pads that are every bit as good as the oem equip, prolly a 30 minute job (provided the right tools are available).........
i asked them if they could be adjusted and they said no.......:confused:

[02 Red Rider]

I've owned a 1999, 2000, and now an 2002 Silverado Z71's and I can't say I've ever had a problem with the ebrakes. I have used them on all of my trucks especially the 99 (5speed) and they have always held great. I also know about 10 others with 99-02 that I see on a weekly basis and they have never mentioned anything either.

I know it doesn't really help your situation but there is no wide spread issue that I have ever heard of.

As far as adjustment there is a bracket on the ebrake cable along the drivers side frame rail. You can adjust your ebrake there.

[insaneracin2003]

Originally posted by 02 Red Rider
I've owned a 1999, 2000, and now an 2002 Silverado Z71's and I can't say I've ever had a problem with the ebrakes. I have used them on all of my trucks especially the 99 (5speed) and they have always held great. I also know about 10 others with 99-02 that I see on a weekly basis and they have never mentioned anything either.

I know it doesn't really help your situation but there is no wide spread issue that I have ever heard of.

As far as adjustment there is a bracket on the ebrake cable along the drivers side frame rail. You can adjust your ebrake there.
sweet,ill check that out and try to adjust it....appreciate it guys

[represent618]

Originally posted by insaneracin2003
i asked them if they could be adjusted and they said no.......:confused:

they are WRONG!!

[yfzracer220]

I dont see how this is the dealers fault? Did they build the truck? Did they design the brakes? Did they wear out your brakes? What they will do is fix your brakes. Pm me if you want to know how to fix the right way.

[Rich250RRacer]

Originally posted by represent618
they are WRONG!!

These trucks have rear disc brakes with an internal drum in the rotor. The e-brake shoes actually look like a horse shoe, and when I had mine apart I don't believe there was an adjustment on them. Be sure this shoe is centered before you put the rotor/drum back on, and spin it to make sure the shoe doesn't drag in one spot, like mine did, or you'll be pulling it all apart again.

[MOFO]

You CAN adjust your rear emergency brake... however, dont be surprised if you do need pads back there.

I have not had a problem with my e-brake, but my regular brakes (disc's) have been replaced on both of my trucks at low miles.

1999 Z71 ext cab
17,000 miles - all rotors replaced - rusting apart
35,000 miles - I replaced all rotors and pads (not oem) - again rotors were VERY rusted and falling apart.
55,000 miles - brakes still look good - little noisy - using NON-OEM rotors!

2004 Silverado work truck
13,500 miles - almost failed 1st inspection due to brake rotors falling apart ... rusting out.
I'll be taking it to the dealer to ***** them out next week...

My father has had better luck though (3/4ton trucks though)
1998 Chevy 2500 - original pads up to 90,000 miles - pulled heavy equipment

2000 GMC 2500 - original pads up to 65,000 miles - used to pull heavy equipment too.

2005 Chevy 2500HD - too new to find out


If you check over at gm-trucks.com and search, you'll see it seems to be a problem with 99+ chevy/gmc 1/2 tons. They are using a POS rotor!

[02 Red Rider]

Mofo,

I have heard of the rotor problem also, guess I have been lucky. The 99 and 00 both had over 60,000 when I got rid of them and both had 33" tires on them. I've got 40,000 on my 02 running 35" tires and I have yet to do a brake job (knock wood). I had a buddy with a 99 though that had to have brakes all the way around at about 50,000.

[Tommy 17]

mofo they had so many problems with brakes that they switch to a drum rear brake in 05... my 05 1500 has drum brakes in the rear and differnt front brakes then the 04s... its supposed to fix the problem...