I have a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Z71 with 143,000 miles. I suspect the rear disc brakes are original. Brake pads need replaced and are also contacting only a thin strip of the rotor. Everthing is rather rusty back there. I notice that Napa sells rebuilt calipers that include new pads. How many of you have found it necessary to replace the rear brake calipers on these trucks? Didn't have to do this on a previous truck but it had less miles and less rust as well. Thanks in advance.
2003 GMC Sierra rear brakes: Replace calipers too?
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It sounds like the pad wear may be tapered. This is a sign you need new calipers. Rear caliper failure is also common if you don't use the parking brake.
Napa's calipers are good. They have a nice coating to stop the rust. I would also suggest coated rotors like Wagner E-coated or Centric Premium. And Hawk LTS pads.
Napa's calipers are good. They have a nice coating to stop the rust. I would also suggest coated rotors like Wagner E-coated or Centric Premium. And Hawk LTS pads.
Originally Posted By: slacktide_bitog
Rear caliper failure is also common if you don't use the parking brake.
Say what now? The parking brake on these vehicles is a drum brake inside the hat of the rotor. It's not a shared caliper
Rear caliper failure is also common if you don't use the parking brake.
Say what now? The parking brake on these vehicles is a drum brake inside the hat of the rotor. It's not a shared caliper
I had a 2003 GMC Sierra Denali and a 2003 GMC Yukon Denali that I replaced all rotors on. A manufacturing defect caused the rotors to rust in from the edges leaving only a 1 inch shiny band in the very center. GM tech said something about material used to make sure the rotors released from the mold?
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Given your location you probably wont encounter this but be prepared to replace the backing plates on these. GM has the best deal with a assembled bolt on unit that has the C clip shoes pre mounted on the plate.
I would go with the Raybestos OPTI-CAL brand new calipers for $75ea from Rock over a reman, no core charge so you can keep the unmolested originals for a future rebuild if you want.
I would go with the Raybestos OPTI-CAL brand new calipers for $75ea from Rock over a reman, no core charge so you can keep the unmolested originals for a future rebuild if you want.
The calipers are probably fine. Most likely you will have to replace the mounting bracket for the caliper. The pins in the like to freeze. If the rotor won’t come off the hub beat the living wee out of it with a sledge hammer. It makes you wounder if there was a reason they went back to rear drum brakes in 04.
I had a 2003 Silverado we had to use a sawzall to cut the rotor till we could drive a punch in it to spread it to get it to break loose. Had all sorts of issues with the rear brakes on that truck also.
I had a 2003 Silverado we had to use a sawzall to cut the rotor till we could drive a punch in it to spread it to get it to break loose. Had all sorts of issues with the rear brakes on that truck also.
I finished up the brake job today (rear). Wagner Thermoquiet pads, new rotors from NAPA and rebuilt calipers from NAPA. Truck sure stops much better now. Before only a small strip of the rotors was being contacted by pad. The dust covers/ backing plates were a little rusty on the perimeter but still solid toward middle.
I've noticed a metal scraping/squeaking noise from left rear only when I turn very quickly to right. Was doing this slightly before brake job but is worse now. Almost as if rotor is rubbing the rusty rough fringes of that dust shield but how can either the dust shield or rotor be moving sideways when I make a turn? Doesn't make any noise in straight line. Never had one do this before. Anyone ever experienced this before? Dust shield bad or axle shaft moving side to side somehow?
I've noticed a metal scraping/squeaking noise from left rear only when I turn very quickly to right. Was doing this slightly before brake job but is worse now. Almost as if rotor is rubbing the rusty rough fringes of that dust shield but how can either the dust shield or rotor be moving sideways when I make a turn? Doesn't make any noise in straight line. Never had one do this before. Anyone ever experienced this before? Dust shield bad or axle shaft moving side to side somehow?
I have had the dust shields scrape the rotor before. On one car I reached in and pushed them back, then replaced them with solid mounts for cooling ducts.
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