2003 Chevrolet Silverado: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jul 17, 2014 · Brakes · 84,997 miles · IN

While vehicle was pulling a trailer loaded with a race car, the truck started grinding down with a knocking noise..unattached trailer from truck and brought home...rear-end cover had rusted and leaked out all the fluid...while changing that noticed that the break line underneath the plastic cover under passenger side door had rusted in two( the brake line on each side of this cover looked good it was only underneath the cover) but upon further examination all brake lines are starting to corrode... There are 3 silverado in my family two 2003 and a 2002. In 2 different states( one of them travels through the highest mountain in kentucky (black mountain). When told the other owners of this problem they inspected there vehicles and sure enough all of them have corroded and breaking brake lines...had it not been for god warning us with the grinding noises...what would have happened to not only all my family members driving but whomever was riding with them!!!!!!!!

Filed Sep 19, 2011 · Brakes · 27,120 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado. In july 2008, the contact noticed that the rear rotors were covered with rust causing the brakes to fail. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the rear rotors and brake pads were replaced. In september 2011, the contact heard a loud grinding noise in the vehicle and drove it to a private mechanic to be serviced. The contact was informed that the inside of the rotors were rusted and needed to be replaced. The private mechanic replaced the front brake pads and rotors. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The current mileage was 44,451. The approximate failure mileage was 27,120. Updated 10/21/11 *bf the consumer stated the inner brake pads were destroyed by rust, but the outer pads were still like new. Updated 01/03/12

Filed Sep 1, 2010 · Brakes · 36,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer at 36,000 miles for a squealing noise. All four of the rotors and brake pads were replaced due to rust which seemed to remedy the noise. At 42,000 miles the ABS system began to pulsate while driving 5 MPH. The dealer stated that the hubs needed to be replaced and provided an estimate for the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. At 56,000 the brake lines rusted through while the contact was driving and he lost all braking function. The vehicle had not been repaired. Chevrolet advised that they have had other complaints with rust and corrosion on other model years but the 2003 did not have any problems. The failure mileage was 36,000. The VIN was not available. The current mileage was 58,000.

Filed Feb 23, 2006 · Brakes · 42,000 miles · NY

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was having a decrease in braking power and there was a loud squeaking, rubbing noise when applying the brakes. The brakes on the rear were replaced. Two days later the rear wheels locked up. The dealership determined the wheel speed sensors were bad. There is an the federal safety agency recall, # 05v379000 regarding the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock; however the vehicle is not having the same problems as indicated in the recall; although the contact feels the two are related.

Filed Dec 5, 2005 · Brakes · 51,069 miles · OH

Dt: the contact stated a squeal was coming from the brakes. He took the vehicle to a mechanic who determined the rear rotors were rusted. Then, he took the vehicle to the dealer, where it was purchased. They advised him this was a very common problem because of the grade of metal being used in the rotors. The front rotors appeared to be fine. The vehicle has not been repaired .

Filed Oct 19, 2005 · Brakes · NY

Dt: 2003 chevrolet silverado. My vehicle is two years old and only has 13, 000 miles on it. Had to take vehicle to dealership to have the brakes checked. The brakes were grinding metal to metal, and the brake pads were worn out. The brakes should have not worn out at 13, 000 miles. The warranty expired since the consumer had the vehicle for two years. The consumer should not have to pay to have the brakes fixed. The dealership told the consumer that warranty was for two years. Or 24, 000 miles. Just noticed this week how bad the brakes were. Did not have any accidents, and when pressing on the brakes could hear them scrape against the metal.

Filed Oct 12, 2005 · Steering · 25,252 miles · NJ

Dt: contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado. There is abounce and vibration in the steering column while driving under normal circumstances, but it became worse while turning the steering wheel left or right. Sometimes there was a grinding noise coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel. This happened every time the contact drove the vehicle. There was a remedy kit available from chevrolet that iwascovered under warranty or the contact would have to cover the expense. While the vehicle was still under warranty this kit was installed in approximately a year ago, but the vehicle was experiencing the same problems again. The new recommendation from chevrolet was to replace the intermediate steering shaft. The service dealer said the vehicle iwasout of warranty, and that there was no recall. The contact would have to cover the cost of the repair. The manufacturer stated that they were aware there was a problem, but if there was no recall and the vehicle is no longer u was nder warranty there was nothing that ccould be done, except for the contact to pay for the repairs.

Filed Feb 23, 2005 · Steering · 70,000 miles · FL

When turning in either direction a grinding noise from the drive shaft was produced. The dealer has replaced the steering shaft, however the problem still exist. Please provide additional information.

Filed Feb 11, 2005 · Brakes · 48,000 miles · MI

After hearing grinding noises, I inspected rear brakes and found rear inner brake pads had prematurely worn out. After disassembling rear brakes found pads frozen (stuck) on pad guides (had to force off with hammer) which prevented pads releasing from rotor and caused uneven and premature wear of pads and destroyed rotors. New pads were purchased and upon installation realized even new pads would not slide freely on pad guides. Local chevy dealer states they are unaware of any known problems. After searching numerous forums on internet and speaking with other silverado owners found this is a common problem yet manufacturer does not want to take responsibility. To avoid this problem from recurring I had guide notches on pads machined slightly oversize than oem. So far no problems to report. If I can figure this out why cant gm.

Filed Oct 19, 2004 · Steering · 14,000 miles · FL

While turning the steering wheel in either direction a grinding noise was heard. The dealer stated the part was not available. Please provide additional information.

Filed Sep 8, 2004 · Suspension · 29,000 miles · WA

Both wheel bearings on the front axle failed on our 2003 chevrolet silverado 2500hd 4x4 4-door pickup. It has 39,000 miles and has been used in light duty situations only (primarily highway driving with light towing). A large squeak developed over a three week period when turning right corners. Our local mechanic found that both front wheels, especially the drivers side, were close to falling off the truck. Even though it was out of warranty, the local dealer replaced both failed mechanisims without question with in stock parts. A little odd that they would have multiple sets of front hub assemblies in stock on last year's model, don't you think?

Filed May 24, 2004 · Lights, Transmission · 800 miles · NC

1to2 gear slamming,within 900 miles,engine light on at 800 miles,change oil message at 740 miles,ABS light on at about 8000 miles,7500 miles would not start,poor brake performance,extended cab pass. Door squeaking loudly,bose sound speaker rattling,tail light squeaking,2-3 upshift very abrupt and loud,clunky like the transmission is falling out,turn signal right flashers will come on sometimes until you cancel the turn signal,rear bumper rusting out,truck will sometimes roll 2-4 inches when first started,chevrolet refused this truck on a lemon law buyback ,they installed a software download for late upshift,not much help,they replaced the crank pos. Sensor,truck now starts,replaced taillight,one less squeak,put nuts on the rear door speaker,now it hopefully wont fall out ,they wedged the rear passenger door,temporary fix,1500 miles later squeezing again,oil life monitor reset(fixed),repaired,the 2-3 upshift clanking they say is normal(rattles the inside of the cab when it happens)brakes fade at low pedal pressure,they say its normal(seems there is a recall on this sight for that),turn signal causing flashers to come on,unknown why,or how to fix it,dealership not eager to fix rust issue on bumber,not airtight cabin wind noise,chevrolet claims it as normal,they changed alternator,and plug-ins for late upshift,no change,eager to rid of this truck!!!