emergency brake issue '01 Yukon

100R1 · July 19, 2003

From What I have heard and read there is a problem with the Emergency brakes on the 1/2 ton General motor trucks.

The "E" brake goes all the way to the floor and does not hold crap.

The cable adjustment just under the rear passenger door is adjusted as far as it will go.

Is there other adjustment points?

What is the broken "clip" and what does it do in relation to the "E" brake shoes?

With the "clips" broken, does this allow the shoes to stay in contact with the drum and wear out? (in other words Do I need new shoes?)

Does anyone Know a Web Site with More Info., Perhaps "R&R" pictoral instructions?

My Yukon has only 28,000 miles on it, Would this be covered under waranty (36/36) or is it considered a "wearable" item as most brake pads are.

I have not taken the rear Tires, Disc off yet to take a good look, Bought '01 Yukon used a while back and was wondering before I tackle into it if there is a "Free Dealer Fix" for a Known factory defect.

28,000 miles and emergency brake shoes worn out ???? hard to beleave........I Also have a '99 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 65,000 miles with similar emergency brake set-up and the shoes look like new. And I use my "E" brake every time I park.

Shaners · July 21, 2003

I'd take your truck to the dealer... In PA if your E-brake doesn't hold it won't pass state inspection.

GM has been using this design for years (started in the older Vettes), and I'm very disturbed that so many truck owners are having problems with their E-brakes...

ClipperSkipper · July 21, 2003

There is apparently a fix for this from GM, a new shoe and floating pin kit. I'll post the particulars when they become available.

Have a great one!

asepgrad98 · July 21, 2003

if it is not under warranty take the rear rotors off and adjust the shoes out. They are supposed to self adjust, do you guys that use the park brake everyday have a problem?

scottgould · July 22, 2003

Take to the GM dealer, I just had mine fixed and it is covered under warranty. From what I know is there is a replacement for the defective clip that has been put on the 2003 models at the factory, but if you have a 99-02 your truck has a clip that will allow the brakes to self engage and wear out. Adjusting your brakes is not going to fix the problem, you need the new clips. The Chevy/GMC dealer knows about the problem and has a notice from GM on it, but if you don't ask he may not tell.

akjay · July 22, 2003

I use mine frequently since I park on an incline at work, and I'm afraid it will harm the transmission if I dont. At my last oil change I asked that they adjust it since it was getting close to hitting the floor. When I picked it up, they replaced mine under waranty. Not sure if they just swapped out new parts, but the service guy said it's fairly common... (that always bothers me when they say that about safely parts) My guess is they couldn't get it to hold well with an adjustment and then replaced it?

So to recap, they replaced mine under waranty, I use mine quite frequently, and I have 19k miles on my 02. No mention of whether it was normal wear, since they didn't charge me for it I didn't realy ask to many questions.