2007 Silverado W/t Rear Drum Issue

MattyB4x4 · June 14, 2011

I have a 2007 Silverado W/T that has rear drums. The issue that I am having, is that one rear tire is wearing out real bad on the iniside of the tread.

I am not sure if the e-brake could possibly be sticking, or the drum not releasing upon acceleration.

Typically, I will be approaching a traffic light and will apply the brakes, coming to a complete stop. Upon acceleration, after varying distances (100feet, to a few hundred yards), I will feel a slight jolt and hear a slight "barking" sound coming from what appears to be the rear passanger drum brake. The sound is not a bark like a tire chirping, but literally, like a high pitched dog park.

The whole truck will jolt slightly. I have noticed that the harder I brake, the louder the bark/more violent the jolt upon acceleration will be.

I have thought of disconnecting the rear e-brake and doing some test driving.

Truck has 70k on it with a 100k warranty. Anything I can do, or should I just "take it to the shop"?

Stevens03 · June 14, 2011

Your 100k warranty I don't think would cover something like this. I'd probably clean everything really good and see if the issue's still there. If it is, then disconnect the ebrake cable and see what difference it makes.

MattyB4x4 · June 14, 2011

Your 100k warranty I don't think would cover something like this. I'd probably clean everything really good and see if the issue's still there. If it is, then disconnect the ebrake cable and see what difference it makes.

That's actually what I'm trying to figure, as to whether it would be covered under warranty or not. I do not believe this to be caused by normal wear and tear, but rather, something faulty. I have noticed the truck doing this for some time, but never thought of it as being a problem until I glanced down at the tire the other day and saw the inside tread was nearly gone.

I supposed I can do some trial and error to see if I can eliminate some variables.

pm26 · June 14, 2011

Do you the stock wheels on the truck? Sometimes adding aftermarket wheels and not using a spacer may cause the drum to get deformed. I would remove the drum and inspect the brake shoe springs, parking brake and the adjuster mechanism. Sounds like something may not be releasing properly after brakes are applied. The function of the springs is to pull the brake shoes away fromt he drum after the fluid pressure in the wheel cylinder goes down.

MattyB4x4 · June 14, 2011

Do you the stock wheels on the truck? Sometimes adding aftermarket wheels and not using a spacer may cause the drum to get deformed. I would remove the drum and inspect the brake shoe springs, parking brake and the adjuster mechanism. Sounds like something may not be releasing properly after brakes are applied. The function of the springs is to pull the brake shoes away fromt he drum after the fluid pressure in the wheel cylinder goes down.

Yes, Stock everything on the truck.

I will try to pull the drum off this weekend and make sure everything is clean. Might check out both sides just to see how messed up the driver's side really is.

rickit · June 15, 2011

when did gm go back to drums and why?been looking at an 09 and didnt know that,kinda got me second guessing now

pm26 · June 15, 2011

when did gm go back to drums and why?been looking at an 09 and didnt know that,kinda got me second guessing now

Gm went back to rear drum brakes on all 2005+ 1/2 ton pickups, except for the ones equipped with the VMax 6.0 liter engine and stabilitrac. You can get four wheel disc brakes on a 2011 truck equipped with a 6.2 liter engine I believe.

As the why, it was because they had problems with the rear brake pads and instead of correcting the problem someone decided it was cheaper to go back to drums.

MattyB4x4 · June 15, 2011

when did gm go back to drums and why?been looking at an 09 and didnt know that,kinda got me second guessing now

Gm went back to rear drum brakes on all 2005+ 1/2 ton pickups, except for the ones equipped with the VMax 6.0 liter engine and stabilitrac. You can get four wheel disc brakes on a 2011 truck equipped with a 6.2 liter engine I believe.

As the why, it was because they had problems with the rear brake pads and instead of correcting the problem someone decided it was cheaper to go back to drums.

....it's the GM way....why do it better, when you can do it cheaper?

Debo511 · June 15, 2011

Brake problem will not cause wear on the inside edge of the tire only.

MattyB4x4 · June 15, 2011

Brake problem will not cause wear on the inside edge of the tire only.

That's what I thought, but all other tires are wearing evenly, and are rotated regularly.

...it's just odd that I hear this noise, feel the jolt, and one tire is all out of whack.

ChevyTech77 · June 15, 2011

Pull the abs fuse and see if there is any difference.

kdixer · June 15, 2011

I would be checking the suspension components ASAP. Look for a broken leaf spring or loose u bolts. Maybe even a broken center pin. This sounds more like a "something is loose and shifting" problem than a brake problem. I would not suspect anything e-brake related unless you are using it to come to a stop. Do not ignore the obvious, something is causing tire wear and something is shifting causing the sensation and noise you are hearing.

pm26 · June 16, 2011

Another possiblity is a bent axle shaft. This could cause cyclic binding between the brake drum and the brake shoes, and also uneven tire wear. Jack up the rear of the truck by the differential until the rear wheels clear the ground and place the transmission in neutral. Then spin the suspect wheel by hand and place a wood block close to the tire as you rotate it to see if there is any up and down movement. This is a quick check and will help eliminate one unknown. The above post about investigating a possible spring problem is a good suggestion.

I would also check the axle bearing insdie the axle housing. A badly damaged, or improperly installed bearing could cause uneven rotation of the axle shaft and correponding binding of the drum on the brake shoes.

MattyB4x4 · June 16, 2011

Another possiblity is a bent axle shaft. This could cause cyclic binding between the brake drum and the brake shoes, and also uneven tire wear. Jack up the rear of the truck by the differential until the rear wheels clear the ground and place the transmission in neutral. Then spin the suspect wheel by hand and place a wood block close to the tire as you rotate it to see if there is any up and down movement. This is a quick check and will help eliminate one unknown. The above post about investigating a possible spring problem is a good suggestion.

I would also check the axle bearing insdie the axle housing. A badly damaged, or improperly installed bearing could cause uneven rotation of the axle shaft and correponding binding of the drum on the brake shoes.

Another good piece of advise to add to my "troubleshooting" list.

Thanks!