Rear E-Brake Problems??

FIRECAT · May 20, 2003

Ok, need some help guys. 2000 Silverado 1500 Z-71, 40,000 miles, original everything. Noticed a metal to metal squeak about 2-3 weeks ago, thought it was the front brakes, it wasn't, they are fine. Checked rear brakes, also fine. I think that I have finally narrowed it down to inside the E-brake drum. Now I have no idea WTF could have worn out in there, but am going to need to take it apart anyhow. Few questions.

Anybody else have this happen?

Is there any microfiche online that I can look at??

Do I need to remove the caliper and the caliper braket to get the rear rotor off??

Thanks in advance.

woyster_00z71 · May 20, 2003

Yes, this happened to me as well. Apparently there is a bad designed clip that holds the e-brake shoe in place. The fix is a larger clip. I didn't know this was the fix until after I replaced the e-brake shoe and used the same small new clip that came with the new shoes. I found my problem when my 'rado failed state inspection in Texas b/c the e-brake wouldn't hold the vehicle.

In any case, it is a fairly straightforward replacement. They do charge a core charge so take the old ones off first and take them with you to the parts store. I don't remember a part number offhand since they didn't give me the box but I did have trouble finding a part store that even knew what I was talking about. Ended up at Pep Boys for $50.

Yes you do have to remove the caliper to get the rear disc off but I don't remember having to remove any brackets. Just two bolts for the caliper and then move it out of the way. You will have to break off the little metal clips on the studs holding the disc on if you haven't ever taken the rear disc off but that is no biggie.

If you have any further questions, just ask. A bit of advice though...don't overtighten the small screw that holds the clip holding the shoe in place. I overtightened it and sheared the head off. I then had to grind a notch in the screw to be able to back it out. A 30 minute job turned into 3+ hours. Not Fun!!!

Good luck,

B.J.

FIRECAT · May 20, 2003

Thanks man. That's a big help.

Was there a recall or TSB on this part??

FIRECAT · May 20, 2003

Just spoke to my Auto Parts guy, why I trust any rely on 100%, he's telling me that the E-brake pads or shoes I guess, are a dealer only item?? WTF?

FIRECAT · May 20, 2003

TTT.

Come on, only one other person has been through this??

woyster_00z71 · May 20, 2003

I was told they were a dealer only item from both Autozone and O'Reilley. When I called Pep Boys, they knew exactly what I needed. They were even made by Raybestos. I searched Raybestos website but wasn't able to come up with a part number.

As far as I know, there isn't a recall or a TSB for the problem. But the guy at the state inspection place said that about 75% of the Silverados, Tahoes, and Suburbans (new body style) that he inspects fail due to inoperative e-brakes.

I wish I had the part number to help you out further but like I said, I didn't get the box because there is a core charge and they put my old shoes in the box.

Let me know if I can help anymore,

B.J.

k1500chevy97 · May 20, 2003

Wasnt there a TSB out on the E-brakes ???

I thought there was I have heard of a couple of people having them replaced at the dealer for no charge

FIRECAT · May 20, 2003

BJ

Thanks for the help.

woyster_00z71 · May 20, 2003

TSB's that may be useful. I can't actually look them up but here are some numbers.

02-05-26-002 OCT 02 Brakes - Scraping Noise From Rear of Vehicle

02-05-26-001 SEP 02 Brakes - Rear Park Brake Service Kit Available

I don't know if either of these will help or not but it's worth a shot. These are for a 2000 Silverado.

Good luck,

B.J.

bandera · May 20, 2003

I'm in the same boat as you guys on my 2000 Z-71, except I have a little more time before my inspection is due in October here in Texas. Went by the chevy dealer to ask if there was a safety recall or if GM was doing anything about it. Was told that GM KNOWS there is a problem with them but is not OFFERING a fix unless you want to pay for it, of course. My truck is out of warranty (49000 mi) and the extended warranty will not cover it. They gave me a 800 number to call @ GM customer assistance. Spent 30 minutes on the phone arguing my point that it is a SAFETY ISSUE due to poor or faulty design and that it was not just MY truck, but literally hundreds of complaints on the internet. So I checked with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.dot.gov) or (1-888-DASH-2-DOT) and found a slew of the exact same complaints! So I'm going to file a formal complaint with them. I know I have seen many many complaints about this on this and other web sites. Maybe if we would ALL file complaints, this might spur some action. (Although I don't know why they have not already done something about it) But I guarantee when somebody sues GM for millions because some loved one got run over by a rolling truck-they MIGHT do something! Let's all get together and blitz NHTSA with formal complaints!!

woyster_00z71 · May 21, 2003

I filed my complaint a month ago when I had to replace the e-brake shoes. I too think that if enough people post complaints, maybe GM will do something about it. In the meantime, I still have my receipt for the shoes and will attempt to get the General to reimburse me for the faulty things if they ever do decide to do something.

B.J.