[jlacoure]

I have a 2001 suburban and I went to get it inspected last weekend and it failed. They said the parking brakes did not work. I do not even use the parking brakes. I was told that if you do not use them they will not work after a while. Does anyone know if this is true and if so what can be done about it. Thye said they had there own seperate brake pads and they told me they would have to be replaced. I mean should'nt the dealership fix this since we were never made aware of it.

 

[GaryL]

I was talking to a guy over the weekend that has an 01 and he said his emergency brake pads were worn out also. He said that they wear out because they are constantly in contact with the rotor that they ride on. Dealer probably won't do anything for you since it will be considered a regular maintenance item.

 

[jlacoure]

One of the ladies I work with haf to replace her's last year also because they said the parking brakes did not work anymore. She said she never usd hers either.

 

[Truckernate]

Parking Brakes

Like GaryL sail they are a regular maintience item that should be checked once a year. On that note changing them is a pain unless you have the right caliper tool you can pick them yp from the snap on dealer or mac tools but they are not cheap but may save you money in the long run.

 

[jack77]

the dealer is not going to cover that, even though it is a very common problem. They are not hard to change, special tool or no special tool. just take out the 8 mm screw holding the middle of the shoe arch to the backing plate, then slide the shoe off of the actuator. takes all of about 30 seconds once the rotor is off. the reason that shoe failed is because of not using it. the lining on that shoe is very thin to start with and the actuator does not move very far, so you have to have a very small clearance between the shoe and the hat part of the rotor. when you dont use it, the rust build up takes up that clearance and slowly wears out the shoe. not using the park brake will also eventually lead to the cables rusting inside the protective casing. use it every once in a while so that it works when you need it. also using the parking brake when parking on any kind of grade will take alot of stress off of the transmission case, as the park pawl is lugged to the trans case. I just replaced the park brake shoes and 1 of the cables on my '01 because the last owner
never used it. the shoes cost about $25 each and the cable was $21. I changed the rear backing plates, axle seals, parking brake shoes, 1 brake cable, rear pads and rotors in just over an hour with basic hand tools.

 

[rs6er]

[QUOTE I changed the rear backing plates, axle seals, parking brake shoes, 1 brake cable, rear pads and rotors in just over an hour with basic hand tools.[/QUOTE]

I was told by the dealer that you have to remove the rear axles to change the backing plates on my 02 Suburban. Mine are completely rusted away. They charge a fortune for this. I opted to remove the rusted part of the bcking plate which was rubbing the last time I had the rear pads changed (not by the dealer). The dealer told me this is very unsafe. Opinions wanted. Also, how dificult is it to change the backing plates on my truck?

 

[werty]

kid at work bought a "kit"from the stealer.had backplate ,park brake and a little piece that holds the shoe for 100 r so ....it beat apa...:gasp:

 

[pelletman]

You have to pull the axle to remove the backing plates. I don't think it is a good idea to leave them rusted out. It is a pain in the ass job.

[QUOTE I changed the rear backing plates, axle seals, parking brake shoes, 1 brake cable, rear pads and rotors in just over an hour with basic hand tools.

I was told by the dealer that you have to remove the rear axles to change the backing plates on my 02 Suburban. Mine are completely rusted away. They charge a fortune for this. I opted to remove the rusted part of the bcking plate which was rubbing the last time I had the rear pads changed (not by the dealer). The dealer told me this is very unsafe. Opinions wanted. Also, how dificult is it to change the backing plates on my truck?[/QUOTE]