Parking brake shoes?

1999GMCZ-71 · June 23, 2003

I got a 1999 Sierra 1500, mine are worn out. Anybody ever have to replace these. I'm thinking the previous owner might have left the parking brake on or something. Seems like they would last a long time.

Truckman031 · June 23, 2003

I have never heard of a parking brake wearing out. The only reason I can think of as to why it would wear, is due to driving with it on, like you said. Sorry I couldn't help out.

MarkD · June 23, 2003

Yup, I had to replace them on my '99. Kinda expensive as far as brake shoes go (either $30 or $50 cant remember).

1999GMCZ-71 · June 23, 2003

Yup, I had to replace them on my '99. Kinda expensive as far as brake shoes go (either $30 or $50 cant remember).

Yeah, dealer said about $50. Dealer item only too!

Bish · June 24, 2003

All the new body style ebrakes are terrible. Bad design IMO. Tiny drum inside of rotor???? The first few years had a defective clip so the shoes would wear even with the ebrake off. Redesigned clip makes a big difference. I replaced mine at 85K along with a 4 wheel brake job.

Oh year, so far shoes are dealer only ($50ea)!

1999GMCZ-71 · June 24, 2003

All the new body style ebrakes are terrible. Bad design IMO. Tiny drum inside of rotor???? The first few years had a defective clip so the shoes would wear even with the ebrake off. Redesigned clip makes a big difference. I replaced mine at 85K along with a 4 wheel brake job.

Oh year, so far shoes are dealer only ($50ea)!

do you have a part number for the redesigned clip by chance?

Bish · June 25, 2003

Unfortunately no. I took it in the shorts and went to the dealer. I kept thinking "how bad could they be?". Then I got there, stood with a blank stare and said "you mean they are priced individually?". At that point, they had them in stock and I needed then so I bought them and walked out with my tail between my legs. Probably save around $30 buying them online. I'm getting the CD Manual and I'll look it up and post when I get them.

GnatGoSplat · June 25, 2003

My park brake doesn't hold the truck on a hill. I take it the clip alone won't fix it? Can I assume the shoes are worn too?

BTW, if you think this park brake system is bad, the GM rear disc brake calipers with integrated park brake were much worse! At least this problem only affects the park brake while the old system tended to seize and affect the entire rear braking system.

Bish · June 25, 2003

You may be able to adjust it without replacing. You really need to pull the rear rotors and take a look. If the shoes still have friction material on them, you can adjust them by spinning the star adjuster. It's a trial and error process. Adjust the star, slide the rotor on, see if it spins, readjust. I adjust mine every oil change now. I like to adjust them so there is a VERY LITTLE drag with the ebrake off.