Front Brakes 2003 Silverado

[T-top87GN]

Hey guys. I just had the e-brake recall done on my 2003 Silverado 2500HD. While they were in there I had them put new pads on the rear. Now I need to do the front pads.

Anything I should know that's out of the ordinary? Should I get the rotors turned even though they don't feel like they need it? Thanks!

 

[turbopete]

I just did the front on my 02 1500.
Learned the hard way to keep all the parts on the same side of the truck. Happened to switch the carriers for the pads and spent hours wondering why the bolts would not line up. I had the rotors turned. I understand it makes the new pads seat better with the rough newly turned surface. And, tighten the bolts with an air wrench. Ask me how I know that...rattle, rattle, rattle...

Do you know whether the e-brake recall covers mine? Only recall I have done is the tailgate straps.

 

[skostur79]

some times them rotors can be a pain to remove
with all that nice salt up in ohio

if there not scored or warped u should be ok

 

[jhef83]

I had a 2000 GMC. I had to use a sledge hammer to break mine loose. I'd take it to a shop and have them turned on the truck.

 

[1987BuickGN]

Jeremy,

How many miles you have on your 03????

I worked at a GM dealer for 3 years and NEVER saw a 2500 series (new body style) come thru the door needing brakes. I saw trucks with 120,000 miles that were about 50% pad life remaining. And it seems the rear pad will go before the front will go. And as far as machining the rotors, I would. After time the rotor gets a mirror/glass like finish and requires more brake effort than a machined rotor does. ONLY brake problems I saw on these trucks (c/k1500) were the parking brake shoe thats located inside of the rotor (Called drum-in-hat) and ABS modules.

As far as recalls, only one I remember is relocating the front brake lines on the 1500 series

 

[T-top87GN]

Thanks for the info guys.

Wayne, my truck has 47k on it. They had to put new pads on the back because they noticed, while doing the e-brake recall, that the axle seal on the driver side was leaking and it had saturated the pad. So, they turned the rotors and replaced the pads on the rear.

I just figured that I'd go ahead and change the front pads as well to keep things even.

That drum-in-hat problem you saw is now a recall. My recall came with a form to reimburse me if I had already had the work done.

Do you recal the minimum thickness for the front pads? I'll pull them and check. Don't get me wrong, I'll change them if it needs it, but I'm definitely not in to spending money and time that I don't have.

 

[1987BuickGN]

Jeremy,

The front pads normally need replacing at 2-3/32nds or so remaining. I will venture to say yours has WAY over 50% remaining. I would bet unless you have a problem, there is better than 75% remaining, and if I remember right, from GM, the front pads are right at 100-125 bucks just for the pads. Like I said, I had never seen ANY replaced due to normal wear. But, yes, leaking axle seals can do it. That must have been a bad leak though. Normally it only slimes the park brake shoe. I wouldnt mess with it unless you had to though. Not because its difficult, but because I bet its FAR from needed.

 

[T-top87GN]

OK Wayne, thanks for the info! Saved me some work and money.