I just picked up my 3500 dually w/allision trans from the dealer. Truck has 77,000 miles. I am little bit POed right now because I believe I was taken to the cleaners and they want to talk their way out.

They replaced the parking brake shoes because one was a little thin, perhaps bit over half the pad was worn out. They claim that to adjust them takes as much labor as to replace them because you have to disassemble everything on the rear axle to get to the adjustment. I cannot believe that. In addition, why would the parking brake shoes be worn out when the only time it is engaged is when the truck is stopped. Nobody can explain this. Apparently all the GM trucks with 4 wheel disc brakes wear them out. The shoe would have to be in contact with the drum for this to happen. The main brake system pads last longer than the parking brake. Can you tell me why this is so?

This job costs almost $600.00. I believe I can have all the main brake pads replaced for less than that.

Are the parking brakes adjustable without disassembly? If so how? Are there any bulletins out about this?

Tom Cobb

Tom, I don't know about you......but I would not pay it if I did not authorize it. What if they thought you need a new engine and transmission??-:t

I authorized it but did not see the shoes before they did the work. I had trusted the service advisor in the past but he let me down this time. I am not sure he saw them either. That was my mistake.

The tech just looked at the thinnest and compared to the others and used that to say they were worn out. Funny thing, one side had all very good shoes and one side had one that was worn more than the others but still had many miles to go since it is a parking brake.

They tell me they are not adjustable. That makes no since at all since there is an adjusting mechanism just like the old drum brakes. They are saying it has to be disassembled, and that I don't believe either. I will find out for sure though and when I do it will be hot in the GM kitchen until this is fixed.

Tom

Yea, sometimes when you put your trust in people......they will let you down.:mad:

Have an 01 Suburban, 4x4.

Ask Big O tires to adjust the E brake.

I saw the E shoes, worn down, so it made more sense to replace.

The rear pads were also a little thin, had them done to.

Total cost $370. You got ripped.