Service Brake Pad Monitor?

[SteveP45]

Go to an independent mechanic. In September 2024,  I just had my 2019 LT brakes replaced ( new pads, new sensors, rotors turned) on all 4 wheels for less than $350 total.

 

it would have been a tad less but he also had to replace lug nets which had rusted  between the lug nut itself and the “chrome steel” outer covering of the nut.   They rust and swell so bad, it can be difficult to get the proper size lug socket on it to remove the lug nut so you pretty much have to destroy the chrome covering to get the wheel lug nut off.

 

High quality ceramic  pads from NAPA and all new brake wear sensors were installed.  My truck had 80k on it

Edited January 23, 2025 by SteveP45
Correct typos

[slj2008]

2 hours ago, SteveP45 said:

Go to an independent mechanic. In September 2024,  I just had my 2019 LT brakes replaced ( new pads, new sensors, rotors turned) on all 4 wheels for less than $350 total.

 

it would have been a tad less but he also had to replace lug nets which had rusted  between the lug nut itself and the “chrome steel” outer covering of the nut.   They rust and swell do bad, it can be difficult to get the proper size lug socket on it to remove the lug nut so you pretty much have to destroy the chrome covering to get the wheel lug nut off.

 

High quality ceramic  pads from NAPA and all new brake wear sensors were installed.  My truck had 80k on it

How many miles on your truck.

[SteveP45]

12 minutes ago, slj2008 said:

How many miles on your truck.

80,000 miles at time of brake job.   It is 85,000 now.

[SteveP45]

80,000 at time of brake job, now have 85,000 on the truck.

[Legacyseminence]

I’m in the exact same boat. My 2021 Silverado dic says front brakes 25% back 75% but is squealing so I took it in today to have it checked and an oil change. They said all 4 brake pad measurements are fine however the “back brake sensor moved and is rubbing on the rotor causing the noise and unfortunately needs to be replaced” $750 later to replace bad brake pads that don’t need to be replaced is a shame.

 

[C5 Pete]

So, if a sensor is bad it requires replacing the pads? Even if they have life left?  Dang... that's disappointing...

 

I'm getting the "Service Brake Pad Monitor" message now on start up. 71,000 miles original brake pads.  I haven't checked the Brake Pad life remaining.  I suppose I should.

 

Love this forum.  Lots of good info.

[SteveP45]

I would… I had close to 80k when I got the message.  Did all 4 wheels, new pads, new sensors and rotors turned.

 

 A good and reputable mechanic should be able to replace the pads on all 4 wheels, install new brake wear sensors and turn all 4 rotors for approx $350.

 

it is regular maintenance… do it before you get even close to metal on metal contact with the rotors, because then the price goes up.

 

check the wear  of the pads on the inside as well as the outside of the rotors.   Both sides do not wear evenly.

Edited February 7, 2025 by SteveP45
Additional comments and correct typos

[Brenn149]

Alas, I too have been stung by this horse sh!it. Bought a 19 Silverado used with 50k.  I have put on another 30 k in two years. Brakes and oil read 100% on the dashboard read out indicator. To be extra cautious I bought the soup to nuts warranty. Recently  I was catching a shudder while braking, of course I ask myself WTF? Im reading Both 67 and 69 % on the pads, so after 2 weeks of waiting I go in to have it looked at along with the scheduled maintenance. I get the front pads are smoked and the rotors too. I tell the service writer "how can this be its reading in the 60's" I just got off the phone with the service manager about brake dust and brake physics whilst ignoring the fact that the monitor reads 68 whilst the pads read MF zero. "ADMIT NOTHING, DENY EVERYTHING, MAKE COUNTER ACCUSATIONS" MEADOWLAND OF CARMEL.

 

[Transient]

On 2/7/2025 at 12:32 PM, C5 Pete said:

So, if a sensor is bad it requires replacing the pads? Even if they have life left?  Dang... that's disappointing...

 

I'm getting the "Service Brake Pad Monitor" message now on start up. 71,000 miles original brake pads.  I haven't checked the Brake Pad life remaining.  I suppose I should.

 

Love this forum.  Lots of good info.

I've seen replacement sensors for sale without brake pads.  Iirc, it was Rock Auto.  They're cheap.  Might save yourself a bunch of money going that route.

[66ss3964spd]

FWIW, this GM bulletin does a pretty good job of describing how the brake life system works. In a nutshell the system uses the pad sensors and an algorithm to express pad life as a percentage.

 

MC-10168970-9999.pdf

[GMCustomerService]

On 3/6/2025 at 10:32 AM, Brenn149 said:

Alas, I too have been stung by this horse sh!it. Bought a 19 Silverado used with 50k.  I have put on another 30 k in two years. Brakes and oil read 100% on the dashboard read out indicator. To be extra cautious I bought the soup to nuts warranty. Recently  I was catching a shudder while braking, of course I ask myself WTF? Im reading Both 67 and 69 % on the pads, so after 2 weeks of waiting I go in to have it looked at along with the scheduled maintenance. I get the front pads are smoked and the rotors too. I tell the service writer "how can this be its reading in the 60's" I just got off the phone with the service manager about brake dust and brake physics whilst ignoring the fact that the monitor reads 68 whilst the pads read MF zero. "ADMIT NOTHING, DENY EVERYTHING, MAKE COUNTER ACCUSATIONS" MEADOWLAND OF CARMEL.

 

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