2003 Chevrolet Silverado: rotors or pads wearing out early

Filed Feb 5, 2007 · Brakes · 18,000 miles · NY

The rear brakes are prematurely wearing out and have been replaced three times with less than 40,000 miles. My ABS sensors had to be replaced also. Chevrolet is obviously aware of the design flaws of these type of vehicles, based on the number of online complaints I have read regarding the disc brake system of 2002-2004 pickup trucks. Chevrolet went back to drum brakes on the rear for 06 due to the problems, but they will not recall or warranty any of the problems.

Filed Mar 28, 2006 · Steering, Suspension · 14,301 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 10 MPH and below, the steering allowed too much play and maneuvered loosely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the steering shaft. However, the problem still exists. The rack and pinion had a slight leak. The consumer has had numerous components replaced on the vehicle such as wheel bearings, ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, steering gear, shocks, steering linkages, coils springs, wheel hubs steering column and the power steering gear. The intermediate shaft was replaced three times and lubricated the last time. The consumer was told the steering design was flawed, which contains a looseness that can't seem to be corrected. The transmission hesitated at times. The dealer stated the clutches were burnt and glazed. The tires were exhibiting premature wear. Updated 08/02/06. *jb updated 04/16/08

Filed Feb 27, 2006 · Brakes · 31,680 miles · NY

Premature rear disc brake failure--2003 chevrolet silverado, 31750 miles-rear disc rotors rusted, pitted, flaking. Dealer replaced rotors and discs at my cost. Even though rotors are obviously suffering from weather and salt, dealer insists that the calipers still work, therefore it is not a warranty issue. I contend that the literal disintegration of the rotors caused the rapid wear of the brake pads. When inspected in august of 2005, I was told the pads were at 75% thickness. The truck still has 6 months left on the manuf. Warranty.

Filed Sep 14, 2005 · Brakes · 20,000 miles · CT

My 2003 chevrolet silverado has 24000 miles on it and the brakes rotors are showing a high rate of corrosion. This vehicle has had very poor braking since new and could cause a very serious accident. Corroded brake rotors with very limited wear of the brake pads. Rotors wear out before pads. Also the rotors show signs of poor metal quality with high corrosion even pitting all over the braking surface. At this time I am working with gm to warranty the brakes due to corrosion not wear. This should be a safety concern, since the brakes could just fall apart.

Filed Sep 8, 2005 · Brakes · 15,500 miles · NY

Rear brake rotors warped at 15500 miles. Could feel vibration when applying brakes. Chevrolet dealership turned down rotors and reinstalled old brake pads. When I questioned the rotors warping with this low mileage, turning down the rotors instead of replacement and reuse of the used brake pads I was advised that this was all that gm authorized to fix the problem.

Filed Sep 1, 2005 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · MA

Rear disk break rotors rusted and flaking away. After 40,000 miles <20% of the rotor surface is making contact with the break pads.

Filed Jun 3, 2005 · Brakes · 31,967 miles · PA

2003 chevrolet silverado experienced premature rear disc brake pad wear.***no answer required***. *mr the rear rotors were resurfaced.

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 Nov 23, 2003 · Brakes · 29,500 miles · AR

I purchased a 2003 chevy silverado z-71 for my job which requires many miles. The right rear inside brake pad wears faster than any of the others. I had to replace it before 30,000 miles or it would cost me a new rotor. It is my understanding that this is a recurring problem on all full size trucks.