2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Feb 16, 2016 · Brakes, Fuel system · 130,000 miles · OH

Excessive corrosion on brake and fuel lines. Had a metal line blow out near rear driver side wheel causing driver to have to use transmission and holding parking brake release handle while using e-brake while steering with one hand. Upon splicing in a section of replacement tubing, I noticed the fuel return line from the engine to the tank is corroded severely too. I had a section of fuel line fall apart upon replacing a fuel filter and spliced in a rubber fuel hose with clamps to get a fuel filter replaced. When the fuel lines rupture, there is a chance of fire from the exhaust or hot brake drums. Was advised by mechanic that I need to sell truck as it has 18-24 months left without proper and expensive repairs being made. Rarely gets underbody wash as a quality wash is far away and was advised that the rust is probably holding it together and advised not to knock off any more rust as it would accelerate further corrosion. Was advised a waste of time to use rust reformer or undercoating. I noticed this stationary as the vevicle was making squeaking sounds from the rear axle hub on driver side (same line that blew) and figured hanging caliper so I did a full brake pedal press and felt the pedal get spongy and drop another 1" toward floor. I opened door, hung out looking under truck and pressed pedal again to see fluid pouring from rear axle area. Drove it 30 miles with no service brakes to get to the garage using only e-brake and 3,2,1 and neutral range of transmission to be able to stop if needed. Also was advised about fuel tank strap and that I would need a flame cutter to change the fuel pump as truck bed bolts looked horrible or would need to cut tank straps depending on how much fuel is in the tank. The "annual underbody wash" most owners manuals recommend is insufficient to prevent this problem.

Filed Sep 17, 2012 · Brakes · 116,000 miles · IL

Steel brake line rusted through at rear of truck near driver side wheel well. All other steel brake and fuel lines in truck heavily rusted and also near blow out point. *tr when rear line failed, brake pedal went to the floor and stopping distance doubled. I was pulling a 3,000lbs boat at the time. The brake warning lamp did not illuminate. Brake warning lamp came on only after approx 10 miles of no rear brake availability. I am currently taking preventive measures and replacing all steel lines in truck. Old lines available for inspection if you act quickly.

Filed Jun 22, 2010 · 168,241 miles · PA

Have owned my 2002 chevy silverado since new. I have never gotten a flat tire with this truck until a couple of weeks ago. I got a flat tire on memorial day on a four lane highway (rt-1). I was in an odd spot to move farther from the traffic lane and I could not get the truck high enough with the factory jack that was provided. I figured it was because of the uneven ground I was on. About a week later I had a blow out with the same tire in a parking garage (nice level flat concrete surface). I have been a mechanic in about 1975. Hold my pa state inspection license and was a ase certified mechanic. The supplied jack with the same factory size tires will not get the vehicle high enough to change the tires. I tried the factory recommended spots and couple of others. How could gm put people in a position like this? Somebody could get killed trying to use this equipment.

Filed Aug 27, 2003 · Tires · NM

While driving on the freeway at 60 MPH, driver's side rear tire exploded from the sidewall. When this occurred, driver lost control, and went off the road. Other 3 tires and spare were splitting at the sidewall. Cause of the failure was undetermined.

Filed Mar 17, 2003 · Tires · 13,700 miles · MO

Tread separation on firestone wilderness at at 35 MPH.