Signs of failing brakes - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cfan10 · 12-13-2014, 03:25 AM

Visually how do you know when you need brakes...what do I need to look for/inspect to tell if I need brakes front is pretty straight forward but the back not so much since I know absolutely nothing about brake systems. I was planning on replacing once I start driving daily again. As always thanks in advance and have a great weekend.

84 swb 305 transmission can't remember which one. Best performance brake pads for a budget?

andrewmp6 · 12-13-2014, 04:17 AM

The rear are drums and as long as they work they are good for a long time.The front are disc and if it stops fine with out any problems its good to go now.By stopping fine means it don't pull to the left or right it stops straight.And you have no odd sounds or the brake pedal dropping to the floor.

donut · 12-13-2014, 10:55 AM

I believe the interval is 6 mos or 6000 miles. That said, I don't think my drums have been pulled in 2 years. (but it's not a DD) When pad wear is down to about 1/16"
Few indicators. Squeal/squeak from rear, e-brake no longer works when it used too, slight drop in master cylinder fluid level.

Rule of thumb I use and it seems to work for me. Every other pad change on the front, pop a drum. Assuming everything works correctly and the hardware is in decent shape.

Your rears shouldn't wear nearly as quick as the fronts, but a lot of folks just plain forget them until there is a problem.

12-13-2014, 03:25 AM	#1
cfan10 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 984	Signs of failing brakes Visually how do you know when you need brakes...what do I need to look for/inspect to tell if I need brakes front is pretty straight forward but the back not so much since I know absolutely nothing about brake systems. I was planning on replacing once I start driving daily again. As always thanks in advance and have a great weekend. 84 swb 305 transmission can't remember which one. Best performance brake pads for a budget? __________________ Rest In Peace:Mikhail {Mickey Rooney} Alpha 2/5/13 Omega 7/22/14 10:28AM I love you tremendously and outragiously Superpuppi Thai Ridgeback...The most intelligent dog known to me. Don't mess with my truck, my momma or my money...not necessarily in that order. © Stand for something or fall for anything. [LIST][*]'98 Bourbon St. Brawl ©2010

12-13-2014, 04:17 AM	#2
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Signs of failing brakes The rear are drums and as long as they work they are good for a long time.The front are disc and if it stops fine with out any problems its good to go now.By stopping fine means it don't pull to the left or right it stops straight.And you have no odd sounds or the brake pedal dropping to the floor.

12-13-2014, 10:55 AM	#3
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: Signs of failing brakes I believe the interval is 6 mos or 6000 miles. That said, I don't think my drums have been pulled in 2 years. (but it's not a DD) When pad wear is down to about 1/16" Few indicators. Squeal/squeak from rear, e-brake no longer works when it used too, slight drop in master cylinder fluid level. Rule of thumb I use and it seems to work for me. Every other pad change on the front, pop a drum. Assuming everything works correctly and the hardware is in decent shape. Your rears shouldn't wear nearly as quick as the fronts, but a lot of folks just plain forget them until there is a problem. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.



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