Rear Brake Troubles....Brake Cylinders, Brake Shoes

[gabet95]

I took my 2009 GMC Sierra to a local Goodyear shop for a quick oil change and 4 wheel alignment last weekend.

Turns out the shop noticed the rear brake shoes were wearing unevenly on both sides and also noticed there was brake fluid dripping down from both rear cylinders.

The shop gave me an estimate to have the work done. The estimate broke down as follows: 2 rear brake cylinders = $150.00, brake fluid exchange and bleed = $69.00, Labor for removal and installation of rear cylinders = $279.00, plus "ONLY" $135 for new brake shoes "Because the rear brakes are already taken a parts" TOTAL COST parts and labor = $633.00.

Does this seem reasonable or excessive?

 

The estimate seemed rather high to me, so I told the shop that I would think about it and would bring back the truck if I decided to move forward with the repairs.

 

I did a little research online for the rear cylinders and the rest of the stuff to do the job. Here's what I came up with. The parts range in price from $20.00 to $40.00 each for rear cylinders, brake shoes = $35 to $50, and brake fluid costs about $20.00 for a gallon. TOTAL PARTS COST = $130 low side and $200 high side. Definitely a huge cost savings "IF" I'm able to do the work myself.

 

Now for the most important question. Is this the type of job that one can do at home with basic tools from the toolbox?

I've done front brakes and other small things to this truck, but by no means do I consider myself mechanically inclined.

 

Any tips, pointer, and/or advise would be appreciated. Thanks

[BLACK DEATH]

It's just as easy as doing the front.

I'd do it myself and just did on my 01 truck.

Replaced both calipers, rotors & brake hoses, drums are different but not hard to do.

Took me a couple of hours and bled them myself.

Fk that shop and their prices, too expensive & a rip off on parts prices....

Do one side at a time incase you get lost

[gabet95]

It's just as easy as doing the front.

I'd do it myself and just did on my 01 truck.

Replaced both calipers, rotors & brake hoses, drums are different but not hard to do.

Took me a couple of hours and bled them myself.

Fk that shop and their prices, too expensive & a rip off on parts prices....

Do one side at a time incase you get lost

Thanks.....Looking at a few "How To" videos.

[Mossyoakglock]

Toughest part is getting the shoes adjusted. Other than that it's pretty simple. I'll see if I can find the how-to that I used.

 

Edit- found it.

 

http://www.howstuffinmycarworks.com/08Silverado_rear_brakes1.html

 

The only difference you might have is that you might have hold down pins. My '08 didnt.

[gabet95]

Toughest part is getting the shoes adjusted. Other than that it's pretty simple. I'll see if I can find the how-to that I used.

 

Edit- found it.

 

http://www.howstuffinmycarworks.com/08Silverado_rear_brakes1.html

 

The only difference you might have is that you might have hold down pins. My '08 didnt.

Mossyoakglock,

Thanks for the "How To" pictorial, very self explanatory. You wouldn't happen to have a "How to" for rear brake cylinder replacement?

[BLACK DEATH]

Once the shoes are off there may be a few bolts holding it to the backing plate.

Easy to remove & replace if the bolts aren't stuck

[Mossyoakglock]

Should be two bolts and then the brake line. I would suggest picking up a Haynes manual. They are helpful in times like this.

[gmtech4]

If you are not mechanically inclined why would do this ?

 

If your truck became unstable during a panic after you try this repair and you killed some one YOU ARE responsible !!!!

 

Just supply the parts and pay labour ,

 

Don't do this

[scooby5121]

I would bring to another shop. Have you seen a significant loss of fluid,on the ground or dripping elsewhere

Low brake pedal ( soft ) and low fluid level. These shop prey for shock replacement as well. They work mainly on commission.

 

Bring to another shop. Estimates are free