[holdenoversoul]

Ok, so getting a rear brake job on an 04 5500 today, they called and said need new pads, can turn rotors but the calipers are "pushed out" and to be replaced. Looking around $1500. Only 27k miles on the truck. I smelled BS so went to see the calipers. The cylinders were cracked and broken to bits. They said they're now made with some composite material, not steel and it was the heat from braking. What the F**k is this junk doing on a work truck? The calipers are 400 apeice and this will probably happen again because they're just crap. Anyone seen this happen to calipers? They said there's no other caliper upgrade or heavier duty part to put on. I'm pretty frustrated to see Chevy cut corners on brakes, one of the most iportant parts of a heavy hauling truck.

 

[Dirt Dog]

What did the old pads look like? I've seen that happen when the pads are not changed at the right time and the brakes are allowed to get down to the metal backing pads.

 

[holdenoversoul]

It needed new pads. I think they may have just gotten down to close to metal. The rotors were fine though. I'll get those old calipers and post a pic. The cylinders were cracked and faling out; I brought a piece back. They said it was from the heat - hauling a lot.
It's definitely a work truck but not overloaded. I'm just a little disappointed in chevy to see such an important part underbuilt.
I'm not having any luck finding and upgrade caliper.

 

[Dirt Dog]

If the truck is on highway all the time, you could see if there are any backing covers you could pull off to get more air into the rotor and caliper

 

[rmmjr1999]

Do you drive the work truck or a employee? I have had employees that driving habits were so bad my tire wear and brakes wear would double . Its just a thought.Second thought is to find your local gm factory service rep.(NOt the dealer) The gm service rep is who your local dealers service manger reports to from gm and this rep can work on making you happy through what they call policy account. Remember when asking for assists from gm rep dont cuss them out first then ask for help. Be persistant and follow up. Last note before using the gm rep make good and sure your calpier problem was not self inflicted by a employee.

 

[Darrick]

Hi,

This is Dirty Work the first time posting on this website. I read your post I had the same problem with my Kodiak C4500 crew cab 4x4 05. I purchased the rear caliber from Napa Auto parts store for approx. 100.00 - 120.00 bucks a year ago. I fix it myself within an hour.

 

[murphyslaw]

dang I have 78k on my 6500 and its on the original brakes and there is lots of life left in 'em.

I would be suspiciuse about the caliper dragin.

 

[holdenoversoul]

Thanks all, I'll check with the gm factory svc rep. It's employees driving my 5500's but they're pretty conscientious guys, been with me 5yrs +. We're still going to have a sit-down with em all - review common sense stuff.
I think it's just crap design. I'll see if i can post a pic of what's left of the cylinder. Basically looks like a chunk chipped off a ceramic coffee mug - not what I want to see stopping 25k+ pounds.

 

[thejdman04]

I would check for brakes draggin and over heating.