Magic Brake Pads?

korbin502 · November 4, 2009

Anyone ever heard of this? I have a 2001 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab long bed 4x4. I bought it used with 32,000 miles on it. I now have over 173,000 miles on it and I still have about 40% pad left in the front and about 60 in the rear. My brakes work perfect and have never had any problems. I realize I should just be thankful, but it's starting to make me nervous. Anyone else experience this?

98silvz71 · November 4, 2009

Anyone ever heard of this? I have a 2001 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab long bed 4x4. I bought it used with 32,000 miles on it. I now have over 173,000 miles on it and I still have about 40% pad left in the front and about 60 in the rear. My brakes work perfect and have never had any problems. I realize I should just be thankful, but it's starting to make me nervous. Anyone else experience this?

I just rolled over 146,000 on my 04 and still the stock brakes. The little washer thing they use to keep the rotor on while going down the assembly line is still on the stud and hasn't been touched.

Rudy35 · November 4, 2009

I can believe it! On my '04 I had to replace the rotors because of rust and pulsating brake pedal. I bought new pads and when I did the replacement I found that the factory pads had as much meat as the replacements. I've done some towing and have hauled a slide in truck camper. The pads wear like iron! I saved the factory pads for when I have to replace rotors down the road, the road salt causes problems, but I plan on keeping the truck for many years.

minibike132 · November 4, 2009

150k on my 04 and still plenty of meat. The 2500 pads don't go fast if you are not constantly loaded heavy.

JoJoJim · November 5, 2009

Anyone ever heard of this? I have a 2001 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab long bed 4x4. I bought it used with 32,000 miles on it. I now have over 173,000 miles on it and I still have about 40% pad left in the front and about 60 in the rear. My brakes work perfect and have never had any problems. I realize I should just be thankful, but it's starting to make me nervous. Anyone else experience this?

I have 148,000 on my 2001 2500HD 4 Whl Drive Crew Cab 8.1. At times have pulled heavy trailers but not real often. My brakes are still in great shape. The brakes are massive on these trucks which I think makes the difference. I also believe the Allison helps a bunch with its fantastic engine braking.

doverarjim · November 5, 2009

I am in the same boat with my 99 truck. I have not been easy on the brakes and they are like new.

Coachmenguy · November 5, 2009

I'll agree the pads last a long time, thats not the problem, its the rotors that have the SHORT life! i have an 03 2500 with 75,000 and im on my second set of rear rotors, not including the oem ones that came from the factory, i spend good money on them but they all just rust away

korbin502 · November 5, 2009

Thanks everybody! I feel much better. Now I can concentrate on all of the other little problems. More questions to post soon!

steveyrock · November 5, 2009

I have 85.000 miles on my 03 and the original pads are in great shape. They don't wear.

I also had to replace rusted rotors front and back. Whats with the rusty rotors as my friend has the same problem on his 04?

jwhjr · November 5, 2009

94K on my original pads/rotors in my 04, but I'm going to have to do at least the rears soon as the passenger side rotor is starting to get crummy. The pads have plenty left all around though.

spackelman · November 5, 2009

140, 000 mi - original pads and rotors - GM did something right with these pads and rotors.

But, the question is - what do you replace them with?

I am due to replace and will stick with oem, even though they cost alot more.

Kenbow · November 5, 2009

140, 000 mi - original pads and rotors - GM did something right with these pads and rotors.

But, the question is - what do you replace them with?

I am due to replace and will stick with oem, even though they cost alot more.

I just replaced mine last month @ 70,000, the pads had lots of meat but the rear rotors were shot. I replaced mine with some after market ceramics, i could not justify paying $300 for just the OEM pads when i will have to replace the rotors again before the pads wear out.

korbin502 · November 7, 2009

Well, I just got done replacing the drivers side hub. $185 with tax from Kragen and a few frozen bolts later, I am done. However, I was able to take a good look at the brake shoes and I see that they need to be replaced. Still plenty of meat and the rotors look excellent, but the shoes are cracked. Not 1 or 2 small ones. There are several. Thank God for friends though. My friend in Arizona is coming out and bringing me a new set of slotted rotors and new pads! SO, I can officially retire this string knowing that the brakes are not magic. I would definitely say they are awesome when it comes to longevity! Happy braking...