2006 Rear Brake Wear

Bowler807 · July 28, 2006

We have an 06 Sierra 1500 CC that just rolled over 12000 miles. It is a daily driver that runs about 22 miles each way to work and back. Out of that 22 miles about 1 1/2 miles are city driving with 3 stop lights. The balance, although not flat, is typical Western PA countryside.

That said, I took the truck in for it's required annual PA State inspection. During the inspection, the rear drums were removed to check the brake wear. To my shock, the brakes measured just 3/32 of an inch lining remaining. (PA will fail the inspection at 2/32.) Typically rear brakes start out at about 7/32 of an inch. Normally drum brakes last "forever". I have seen 50,000 miles and up on original rear drum brakes.

I know there were problems tearing up pads and rotors on the rear disk equipped trucks, but I was not aware that it was going to transfer over to the drums also.

Anyone else have this problem? If you don't know, maybe you had better check.

rdnkcpa · July 28, 2006

We have an 06 Sierra 1500 CC that just rolled over 12000 miles. It is a daily driver that runs about 22 miles each way to work and back. Out of that 22 miles about 1 1/2 miles are city driving with 3 stop lights. The balance, although not flat, is typical Western PA countryside.

That said, I took the truck in for it's required annual PA State inspection. During the inspection, the rear drums were removed to check the brake wear. To my shock, the brakes measured just 3/32 of an inch lining remaining. (PA will fail the inspection at 2/32.) Typically rear brakes start out at about 7/32 of an inch. Normally drum brakes last "forever". I have seen 50,000 miles and up on original rear drum brakes.

I know there were problems tearing up pads and rotors on the rear disk equipped trucks, but I was not aware that it was going to transfer over to the drums also.

Anyone else have this problem? If you don't know, maybe you had better check.

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I think your inspector is full of it. Have you pulled the drums and looked? My 2004 Silverado has 59k on the clock and well over half the meat on the front pads. All the vehicles I've owned, GM, Ford, Honda & Toyota have gone well over 100k on the original drums/shoes.

redvett · July 28, 2006

With the front disc's doing 80% of the work the rear's should be new unless you have the park brake on. Better check them your self.

Bowler807 · July 28, 2006

With the front disc's doing 80% of the work the rear's should be new unless you have the park brake on. Better check them your self.

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I am a former PA State Inspection mechanic. I don't let just anyone touch my vehicles. I was standing behind him when the wheels were pulled. Of course it helps that it is my son at his shop.

asepgrad98 · July 28, 2006

3/32 fine for drum brakes

Bowler807 · July 28, 2006

Yes, 3/32 is still legal for inspection, but the point is that the truck has only 12,000 easy miles on it. The brakes should be somewhere around 6 to 7/32 with that mileage.

In another 3000 or 4000 miles I will need to replace those brake shoes.

Sierra 05 · July 28, 2006

Yes, 3/32 is still legal for inspection, but the point is that the truck has only 12,000 easy miles on it. The brakes should be somewhere around 6 to 7/32 with that mileage.

In another 3000 or 4000 miles I will need to replace those brake shoes.

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My dealer tech informed me that the new trucks, 04-07, etc... are built with what appears to be thin drum shoes. But this is not wear, they are thin to begin with.

This technician stated that a customer brought his in for brakes, cause the Good year dealer said so. Well, according to specs, they were fine. He showed me mine and said I am good for a long time. I have over 23000 on it at that time.

The shoes are thin to begin with, but there OK. That Smog guy needs this info bad, as he is unaware of new technology.

Bowler807 · July 31, 2006

The Smog guy as you state still has PA State mandated requirements which he must follow. Reguardless of what the factory installs, at 2/32 I would need to put new rear shoes on to pass inspection. I know of no legislation pending to change State law. Right now with 12000 miles I have 1/32 of an inch brake shoe life remaining.

Several thousand more miles will tell the tale, but I suspect that the person who told you "thin shoes are in" is making up a story.