GMC 2500 brake issue

[6DoF]

anyone ever run into this issue before? the brakes work really well,, but the rears only last like 5000 miles. 1 set went quicker than expected, then the last 2 sets have been about 5k. one power stop kit, one EBC kit. something is dragging them because all 4 rear pads wear totally even. fronts have been fine.

i just replaced the master cyl since it was cheaper than the ABS module ... cross your fingers for me that was it.

[xj_man_646]

Have you replaced the calipers yet? For some reason I recall something about the calipers going 'bad' rather quickly on those trucks.

[Cobound]

I was going through front pads on my 1500...I just replaced the calipers, thinking that was it. No idea what the 2500 deal is, but hope you get it figured out, 5k, sheesh

[champ]

Silly question, but are you spinning the rear tires a bunch? Traction control will eat through a set of rear brakes quickly.

[6DoF]

rear calipers were new 5k ago after the first 5k set of pads. rotors n pads went on at the same time. just did them all again, but the calipers were smooth and all pads worn even so i left those.

i just did front calipers as one locked up on me, truck has 175,000 on the clock though so not too shocked there. did new front unit bearings, packed the rear hubs and did new seals, all new e-brake BS, new fluid in the rear ... it was a spendy deal.

[6DoF]

i've read online a bunch of ppl complaining about gm trucks going thru rear pads, this seams like a common issue ... but i've never read anywhere someone who fixed it, just questions and speculation.

[6DoF]

Originally Posted by champ

Silly question, but are you spinning the rear tires a bunch? Traction control will eat through a set of rear brakes quickly.

truck has no traction control, just ABS. even then though, it's not exactly a tire burner.

[nblehm]

Infrared temp guns are so 2000s. Got to step your game up to a thermal imager.

[6DoF]

Originally Posted by wrath

GMT800 trucks had a lot of rear bias. Some of it was fixed on the GMT900. So if you are a person that mostly costs then eases into the brakes the fronts never see any use.

Recently I've seen a lot of 2004-2009 GM vehicles have collapsed/partially blocked brake hoses where the mounting brackets are crimped on. Just saw a G6 that has ate through front brakes like crazy and the idiot mechanics kept replacing rotors, calipers, and pads but it kept happening. Anyway, they stop fine but the fluid doesn't really go back into the master when you release. So the brakes drag a bit until you turn hard a few times to flex it enough to push the piston back in. I've been finding the issues using an infrared temperature reader.

i read something about a rubber hose issue once before, but couldn't see how a hose would hold psi from going back. after driving home ... the issue spot should be hotter?

[bbaCJ8]

Originally Posted by 6DoF

i read something about a rubber hose issue once before, but couldn't see how a hose would hold psi from going back. after driving home ... the issue spot should be hotter?

I agree and was skeptical the first time I heard it also....but I've seen it fix the issue as have some other very knowledgeable friend. I actually have an issue with rear brakes dragging on my Jeep and that was one of the first things I checked/replaced. In my case it looks to be caliper related though.

[MBood82]

Aren't the rubber hoses still steel lined? I'd heard that as they get old they can kink/collapse, with the inner part acting as a one way valve.

[bbaCJ8]

Originally Posted by MBood82

Aren't the rubber hoses still steel lined? I'd heard that as they get old they can kink/collapse, with the inner part acting as a one way valve.

Yes there's still steel mesh supporting them. And the one way valve effect would make sense for a kink or broken down inner lining. There's very high pressure forcing fluid to the pistons, but very little forcing it back out.

[Blue XJ]

It's not a truck, but our GM vehicle eats through rear pads too, it has 77k miles, I just put the 4th set of pads/rotors on in the back. The fronts are still the original pads, so we aren't hard on the brakes. The outer pad on both sides of the rear was worn to the replacement indicator thing, while the inner ones were still about 50%, same story every time. The calipers slide freely on the brackets, so I'm not sure what would cause it.

[6DoF]

Originally Posted by bbaCJ8

I agree and was skeptical the first time I heard it also....but I've seen it fix the issue as have some other very knowledgeable friend.

and with that confirmation, i guess i'm ordering hoses. i just bled the whole thing out last week

i'll assume since it's an issue with the entire back, that it's in the drop line to the axle. but what do you guys think about just replacing ALL soft lines? uuugghh ... i don't have my flaring tool when this goes bad.

[Blue XJ]

From what I have heard, it does seem to generally be the drop line to the axle. But, while you're in there and the system is empty, why not replace them all, the cost should be minimal.

[6DoF]

once i get these cheapo pad/rotors to live more than a few k, ill go back to trying real compounds.

you sure he doesn't have a hose issue too? i've had great luck with green stuff when all else is working proper.

[6DoF]

Originally Posted by Blue XJ

From what I have heard, it does seem to generally be the drop line to the axle. But, while you're in there and the system is empty, why not replace them all, the cost should be minimal.

agreed ... was $8 each in the back, a whopping $16ea front.

[nblehm]

I have fixed several dragging brakes with soft lines.

[6DoF]