Rear Brakes Sticking

[Brandon Darnell]

I have a 2021 Silverado 2500HD Custom Crew Cab with about 55,000 miles.  I use this as a daily driver, plus to tow my 7,000lb camper 8-10 times per year.  Yesterday when I put my truck in reverse the rear brakes made a growling sound, and this morning they made the same growling sound.  After I slowed down and hit my brakes the sound went away temporarily and then came back at low speed when turning into a driveway.  My brake pad life sensor (which I don't know how they work or understand) went from about 80% all around yesterday to 0% front and rear today.  There was also a faint brake smell coming from the rear, nothing from the front.  Any help would be appreciated.  I should add that I have always done my own maintenance until now, with all of these electronics. Thank you!

[the8rotor]

Have you visually inspected the brakes? You could answer all your questions by taking the wheel off and taking a peek.

[GMCustomerService]

On 5/13/2025 at 7:18 AM, Brandon Darnell said:

I have a 2021 Silverado 2500HD Custom Crew Cab with about 55,000 miles.  I use this as a daily driver, plus to tow my 7,000lb camper 8-10 times per year.  Yesterday when I put my truck in reverse the rear brakes made a growling sound, and this morning they made the same growling sound.  After I slowed down and hit my brakes the sound went away temporarily and then came back at low speed when turning into a driveway.  My brake pad life sensor (which I don't know how they work or understand) went from about 80% all around yesterday to 0% front and rear today.  There was also a faint brake smell coming from the rear, nothing from the front.  Any help would be appreciated.  I should add that I have always done my own maintenance until now, with all of these electronics. Thank you!

Our team would like to learn more about this, Brandon. Will you please email us at [email protected] with your VIN so we can get started? We hope to hear from you. By sending us a message, you consent to the information you provide being monitored and recorded by GM or those acting on GM’s behalf, subject to the GM Privacy Statement: https://www.gm.com/privacy-statement.

[EXSlider400]

I replaced the factory pads at 100k on my 2019 1500 after hearing a squeal. Every pad was around 50% except the driver rear where the electric parking brake is….it was paper thin. No idea why as the parking brake is supposed to release when throttle is applied.

Edited May 23, 2025 by EXSlider400

[bruceb58]

On 5/23/2025 at 9:53 AM, EXSlider400 said:

I replaced the factory pads at 100k on my 2019 1500 after hearing a squeal. Every pad was around 50% except the driver rear where the electric parking brake is….it was paper thin. No idea why as the parking brake is supposed to release when throttle is applied.

This is the Heavy Duty forum. Completely different brake system than your 1/2T. Electric parking brake is a small drum brake on these.

[EXSlider400]

48 minutes ago, bruceb58 said:

This is the Heavy Duty forum. Completely different brake system than your 1/2T. Electric parking brake is a small drum brake on these.

thanks good to know. Haven’t had a chance to look at the new truck yet and the 2500 design does look better for longevity. Hope the electric parking pads don’t wear as fast as the new 1500 trucks (I say new but been buying and working on trucks since early 90’s and boy do I miss that simplicity and longevity…probably similar to yourself). 

Edited May 25, 2025 by EXSlider400

[Brandon Darnell]

Hello, I did visually inspect the back brake pads/caliper brackets and calipers.  I removed the slide pins and re-lubricated with sil glyde.  I Think I have narrowed it down to the parking brake, as they no longer work and I found a small piece of the shoe in my driveway the other day where I park my truck.  Does anyone know if I can service the parking brakes without any fancy computers to release them?  Thanks in advance.