'02 Sierra brakes suck? [Archive] - Pirate4x4.Com Bulletin Board

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D60

11-29-2006, 01:45 PM

I've recently test driven two used '02 Sierra/Silverados. Half ton, 4wd, extended cab. On both the brakes seem marginal, and not what I'd expect from discs at all 4 corners.

The brakes work, and I guess they're adequate, but nothing more. Basically they feel "normal" about "halfway" down the pedal travel - - until you really want them to bite, and then you really have to put your leg into it. Is this normal for these trucks? I'm worried that w a load in the bed it'll only get worse.

Wasn't sure if I'd get better response here or in the tow rig forum, but since this is pertaining to half tons I decided to put it here.

cj8scrambld

11-29-2006, 02:25 PM

Those are normal GM brakes.....you said it........adequate..and that is how they are. The brakes have been the biggest complaints on this line from GM. IIRC, they've gone back to drums on some of the pickups...?

AL'S 92YJ

11-29-2006, 03:26 PM

I drive a 2003 Z-71 extended cab and the brakes do not "feel" solid but they work just fine. The brakes did take a while to feel right to me.

I tow my jeep on an eighteen foot trailer and it had no problems stopping it even before I added a brake controller.

They did go back to drums on the back in either 2005 or 2006.

bigyellowjimmy

11-29-2006, 03:41 PM

I really liked the 4 wheel disc brakes on my 00 1500 Z71, had over 100K miles and never replaced the pads. They had a good feel as well. My 05 1500 CC 2wd has rear drums and the brakes are crappy. I cant figure out why they went back to drum brakes??

Bo185

11-29-2006, 05:24 PM

D60

11-29-2006, 06:25 PM

Damn, GM doesn't have a good history of rear discs LOL, reminds of the Eldo rear calipers which are kinda popular for some rear disc swaps except for the pissy parking brake assembly.

Thanks for the replies, keep 'em coming.

Anyone know, more specifically, what kinda problems they had w the rear discs? I mean I can do general service on brakes but I don't want to get into a situation where I'm stuck having to buy dealer-only parts for one reason or another.

I currently drive an '05 Canyon and the brakes are damn near grabby but I've adjusted to it, so I know I'm extra sensitive to the brakes in the Sierra which are anything but grabby. Still, I wonder how a smaller woman would even stop the Sierra in a panic stop, you gotta have some leg strength to slow that pickup quickly.......

Bo185

11-29-2006, 07:04 PM

Most the problems were with the parking brakes. My Girlfriend bitches about the brakes all the time when she drives my silverado. I am use to it and they work fine!

bigyellowjimmy

11-29-2006, 08:15 PM

2005 and up they went back to drums be cause they had a lot of problems and warrenty work on the rear disc's so they just went back to the drums. Even the new redesigned 07's have rear durms standard with rear disc's as options! Every one I have seen so far as had drums.

that's what the dealership told me as well but mine worked great.......

GM's not the only one, our 99 Taurus had rear discs, our 02 has drums. Same thing there, the 99 had good brakes and the 02 brakes suck.

Gee, maybe in 10 yrs we'll go back to drum fronts! :laughing:

Jeepermat

11-29-2006, 08:58 PM

My truck (02 Dmax) with 80k miles, never touched the brakes, I tow 12k+ 50% of the time.
I agree with you that they dont feel right, but when you need them they are always there.

Billdo

11-29-2006, 09:08 PM

DURAtotheMAX

11-30-2006, 07:05 AM

the half ton brakes are decent I guess as far as stopping capcity, but talk about a shitty unassuring pedal feel. I hate them.

the GM HD brakes however are completely different and 100% better in power and pedal feel IMHO.

joe53015

11-30-2006, 09:59 AM

We have an 02 d-max dually for the shop here and when that beast is in 4 low you really have to stand on the brakes to stop it.

I really think that they should be able to design something better than that.

Maybe a larger diameter master bore to lessen the pedal travel.

just my .02

freyguy

11-30-2006, 12:36 PM

On my truck in sig I've had great luck with the brakes. I had to replace the rears at 106k, and the fronts are still factory at 111k. I did put stainless lines on with the lift, and that did firm up the pedal some. When I redid the rear I put cyro power slots and hawk pads and it did help some. I imagine when I put them on the front, it will be very noticable. But so far I still have about 40% of the pad up there. :D

D60

11-30-2006, 01:50 PM

the half ton brakes are decent I guess as far as stopping capcity, but talk about a shitty unassuring pedal feel.

Well put. I guess they'll work when they need to, but they don't inspire confidence.

D60

11-30-2006, 01:58 PM

just so everybody knows, GM recalled thousands of trucks/SUV's in Canada due to their brakes. When you ask GM about the American trucks they will tell you that it was only an issue with the trucks destined for Canada. Also the NTSB is currently investigating the issue with American GM trucks and SUV's.

Here is an article from Detroit auto news.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0505/31/C01-195410.htm

And so this article, written in '05, singles out '99 thru '02. Is there reason to believe the problem was corrected for the '03 MY?

EDIT: thanks for the link BTW!

bigyellowjimmy

11-30-2006, 03:14 PM

just so everybody knows, GM recalled thousands of trucks/SUV's in Canada due to their brakes. When you ask GM about the American trucks they will tell you that it was only an issue with the trucks destined for Canada. Also the NTSB is currently investigating the issue with American GM trucks and SUV's.

Here is an article from Detroit auto news.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0505/31/C01-195410.htm

this article is about road salt affecting the anti lock braking systems.....road salt affects lots of things and Im not suprised at this problem but it seems that its the road salt causing the issue not ill designed braking system...