Sierra rear brake disks

[nmw75]

Hello all,

So once again I have bad rear disks on my 04 Sierra. This makes the 3rd set. The 1st two sets were covered under warranty but that is now expired. The kicker is that I only have 30,000 miles on the truck.

I know that GM went back to rear drums for a reason... I've found it!

How much of a job is it to convert my truck to drums? I already have enough problems with this thing & dont need to be replacing rear disks all the time.

[75K30]

Something else has to be wrong. What is happeneing that would indcate the problem. Anything out of the oridinary? What other variables or symptoms related to this might there be that could be related?
Is it warping rotors, eating them away? Exactly what might be the reason to have to replace the rotors? How bad is it wearing the pads?
For example" If you have a stuck or problematic ABS pump, the brakes might always stay on, and tear up rear brakes. Even if you convert back to drums, this problem might still exist.
I think finding the solution to the real problem will be the best.

[nmw75]

The first 2 times was warped rotors & this time the rotors are chewed up from rust forming & pitting them. I have enough meat on them to turn them down but then they would just warp again. I know I probably wouldnt have this problem if I drove the truck all the time to keep the rotors rust-free but the way gas prices were i was driving my 40mpg tin can.

Are there better after market disks that are of a better quality than the factory?

[leolkfrm]

I have always found bendix to be a better quality of Parts, I buy semi metalic lifetime or ceramic. Proper lube of the calipers is important.
Gm is noted for turning rotors, are you sure they didn't try it!

[75K30]

Warped rotors are indicative of too much heat. Have you determined why such heat was created in the rear? Again and problematic ABS pump can cause this. Your rust issue is not a design problem, more of a geographic incident, and did the fronts have any problems? Front brakes will do most of the work, and your symptoms should be the same for both unless there is a problem elsewhere.
Often times an aggressive brake pad will be too much for a soft rotor, and when ceramic or other harder material pads are used (often in an attempt to obtain better performance brakes) the rotor suffers.
There has to be another variable here that is being overlooked. Finding the real problem might be the key to success.

[nmw75]

Yes, the first time (warranty) they turned the rotors down.... Of course that didnt work so the 2nd time I insisted that they put new rotors on.

The front brakes are fine. Never had an issue with them.

This truck has been nothing but problems since I bought it.
Its paid for now so I want to keep it.

Last winter I had 3 fuel injectors go at the same time! I had to fight to get that fixed since I was less than 1 month out of the 3 year warranty.

The truck is rusting up pretty good also... from the inside out. I keep it washed & waxed as much as possible too.
I park it under a car port to try to keep the weather off of it.

The inspection garage that I go to just failed a 2002 Silverado because the frame was almost rusted thru.

[leolkfrm]

It does appear to be a plow truck, so heat on the brakes and water on a hot rotor is probably part on the problem! Personally here in the northeast I consider rotors to be scrap when the pads wear out, or the life of the new pads will be reduced. Lubrication with good quality silicone grease is a calipers best friend here

[nmw75]

I only do my driveway with the plow & I go real easy on it for that very reason. Dont want to heat the brakes up & warp them.

I'll put new & better rotors and pads on. Lube up the calipers good & see how long they last. I know this latest issue is due to rust & pitting of the disk. Maybe an aftermarket rotor that uses better steel will last.

I'm at the point where I'm afraid to drive it because something else is going to break.

The toughness of this truck is a far cry from The 76 Chevy that my father had for 30 years. I knew I should have bought it when he was selling it!

[mudseeker]

do you hual a lot of weight in the back? that would cause the rear brakes to work over time and warp. try using a ceramic pad, i used them on my sister old 03 blazer with 4 wheel disc and she has yet to eat through them like see did the factory ones.

also, do as suggested and lube your slide pins and calipers.

[leolkfrm]

Don't feel bad about breaking your truck Mud does it all the time

His Idea for replacing the rivet works great!