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GMC Suburban grinding brakes problems

30 of the 1,768 owner complaints about the GMC Suburban describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 1994 model year.

owner complaints
30
worst model year
1994
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

ABS 13Brake failure 3Pulling 1

What owners say

Filed Mar 29, 2004 · Suspension · TN

Consumer noticed squeaking noise while backing up vehicle. Once serviced, technician determined that the entire rear end failed, and needed replacement.

Filed Jan 19, 2002 · Transmission · TX

While turning corner in subdivision transmission would not shift into 2 gear. Jumped into 3rd gear and the truck jumped forward. Proceeded to drive on highway to get home and once slowed the truck continued to roar until jumping into 3rd gear. Once the truck was stopped, I had no reverse. I was told the reverse housing broke,which causes the gears to slip and this happens without any warning...no previous "transmission slipping" and is a common thing in this model suburban . Transmission tech also showed me where this reverse part broke and said general motors is aware of the problem and has made a stronger part for the transmission. If gm knows this is a problem why is this not a recall? It is caused from a faulty part. To fix this problem is costing me over 1500.00 dollars. The ABS brakes have to be held to the floor and then the back wheels skid. I thought the whole purpose of the ABS braking system was to stop the skidding. It is as if the locking system does not work on sudden stops. Because the locking does not take over, the front brakes have to much weight to stop because the rear drums are not enough to complete the stop. They do not work together, causing the pads and shoes to wear out and grind the rotors and drums. The passenger back door electric window while rolling it down makes a clunk noise and then it will only roll back up to the point where the noise is. You have to have 2 people get the window up. One holding the window and pulling at it upwards while the other holds the button to get it to catch.

Filed Jan 15, 2002 · Brakes · VA

Brakes would squeak and make a grinding noise. Front end would shake. Brake pad had worn to metal on one side. Pads and rotors were replaced numerous times. Contacted dealer.*ak consumer states that the brake pads are being replaced about every 18000 miles.

Filed Aug 30, 2001 · Brakes · NV

At any speed when applying brakes vehicle grinds and pulls to left. Consumer has a ant-ilock braking system. Dealership is aware of problem.

Filed Mar 30, 2001 · Brakes · CA

On 4 separate occassions consumer has had to take vehicle in for excessive grinding noise from rear brakes when coming to a stop, also there was leaking proportioning valve that caused premature wear to rear brakes.

Filed Mar 5, 2001 · Brakes · CO

While driving could step on the brakes pedal and will it willmake noise, like grinding metal to metal. Front brakes pads had to be replaced every two months.

Filed Sep 4, 2000 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

The ABS system has always been a problem. One morning backing out of the garage after it had rained the night before, I gently braked and the car made a grinding noise and jerked abrubtly scaring all of us. It skidded ! Up and down the driveway I did this and it jerked and skidded! We decided it was not safe. The store checked tires and brakes. This has happened again and again! The electrical problem has been ongoing. The dealer cannot figure it out, we're ok for a while - 6 mos. With a new battery and then were stranded somewhere cause its died. We just had the radio replaced because they said it had a short,well it was out of the car and it died again. They replaced the alternator it died yesterday! Please help!

Filed Aug 2, 2000 · Electrical · NC

While vehicle was at dealer for service dealer noticed a battery leak, causing loss of power. *ak transmission makes grinding noise.

Filed Jul 14, 2000 · Transmission · CA

Transfer case snap ring failed second time in 89,000 miles. Makes grinding sound from stop as gears clash. Can avoid major damage if accelerate very slowly. Snap ring is a $2 part. Labor is about $150 to replace snap ring. $700 to repair transfer case if internal damage.

Filed Aug 18, 1999 · Brakes · NY

Brakes begin to grind while driving and applyng brakes .as a result of this grinding, vehicle pulls to the left side.dealer was contacted and fixed the brakes at owner's expense.

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuumReported August 8, 2000 · 3,758 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with vacuum power, 4-wheel disc brakes. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems." these vehicles were built with a kinked brake booster vacuum supply hose.
Risk
These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 105.
Remedy
Dealers will re-route the brake booster vacuum supply hose.

Recall number 00V222000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotorReported February 17, 1998 · 1,137 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. One or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle.
Risk
If a driver continues to drive with a cracked rotor, the cracks could continue around the wheel mounting bolt circle and ultimately result in a wheel separation.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.

Recall number 98V033000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkagesReported April 14, 1992 · 177 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The pivot bolt holding the brake pedal to its support bracket may be improperly tightened and may not have engaged the locking material on the bolt. The bolt can disengage from the nut.
Risk
If the pivot bolt disengages from the nut while thevehicle is in motion, there will be a loss of brake control and could result ina vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers should inspect the hand started brake pedal bolts and torque them to specification.

Recall number 92V056000 · Recall details

Questions about the GMC Suburban grinding brakes

Which GMC Suburban years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1994 (8 complaints), 1995 (7 complaints) and 1993 (6 complaints).

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