Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Brake Shoes Replacement Cost
Are you noticing your Chevy Silverado 1500’s brakes feeling a little soft or spongy? Hearing some squeaking or grinding when you hit the brakes? It may be time to replace your brake shoes. Replacing worn brake shoes is crucial for safe braking and avoiding more expensive brake repairs down the line.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about replacing the brake shoes on your Chevy Silverado 1500.
Here’s a quick answer: The average cost to replace the brake shoes on a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is $330 – $420 if done at a mechanic shop. This includes about $130 – $170 in parts and $200 – $250 in labor costs. Doing the brake shoe replacement yourself reduces the cost down to just the $130 – $170 in parts, saving you over $200 vs paying the labor at a shop.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Brake Shoes Replacement Cost
Brake shoes are a wear item, meaning they degrade over time and miles and need periodic replacing. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Brake Shoe Replacement Cost | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| At a mechanic | $130 – $170 | $200 – $250 | $330 – $420 |
| DIY parts cost | $130 – $170 | N/A | $130 – $170 |
As you can see, you can save over $200 in labor costs by doing this repair yourself. While intimidating, replacing brake shoes is one of the more straightforward DIY jobs. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions later in this article.
Keep reading as we dive deeper into symptoms, maintenance schedules, and the step-by-step process for Silverado 1500 brake shoe replacement.
Symptoms That You Need New Brake Shoes
Don’t wait until your brake shoes are completely worn to replace them. Waiting too long can cause damage to other braking components. Watch for these signs you need new brake shoes:
- Brake pedal feels spongy or soft
- Squeaking or grinding noises when braking
- Longer stopping distance
- Brakes feeling “loose” with reduced effectiveness
- Visible wear and tear on brake shoes upon inspection
If you notice any of these symptoms, have your Silverado’s brake shoes inspected and replaced if needed. Waiting can turn a straightforward brake shoe job into a more complex and expensive brake repair.
How Often Do Brake Shoes Need Replacement?
So when exactly should you replace the brake shoes? Brake shoes typically last around 50,000-70,000 miles, but driving habits and conditions can shorten or extend their lifespan.
Consult your owner’s manual for Chevrolet’s recommended intervals, and adjust based on your own driving. If you regularly haul heavy loads or tow trailers, you’ll need to replace brake shoes more frequently.
Get in the habit of having your brake shoes inspected annually when you get your oil changed or perform other maintenance. Your mechanic can measure wear and recommend a replacement timeframe based on your driving needs.
Step-by-Step Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Brake Shoe Replacement Instructions
Ready to DIY your brake shoe replacement? Gather your tools and parts, then follow these steps:
Tools Needed
- Floor jack & jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Lug wrench or impact wrench
- Brake shoe tool
- C-clamp
- Brake cleaner
- Rags
- Gloves & eye protection
Parts Needed
- Brake shoes (2 per wheel, 8 total)
- Brake hardware kit with springs, pins, etc.
Step 1) Park on level ground and chock tires. Loosen lug nuts on wheel with brake shoes to be replaced.
Step 2) Jack up front or rear and place on jack stands. Remove tire/wheel assembly.
Step 3) Locate brake shoes and springs. Remove springs and hardware retaining shoes.
Step 4) Pry shoe away from brake drum. You may need to use a brake shoe tool.
Step 5) With shoe removed, clean area with brake cleaner. Remove any rust buildup on brake hardware.
Step 6) Install new brake shoe and secure with new springs/hardware from kit.
Step 7) Use a C-clamp to press new shoe against brake cylinder.
Step 8) Repeat process on other wheel. Reinstall tires, lower vehicle, and torque lug nuts to spec.
Step 9) Pump brakes to reset caliper pistons before driving. Check for any leaks.
And that’s it! With the right tools and parts, you can swap out old brake shoes with new ones and save big bucks in the process.
Additional Maintenance To Consider
While you have the wheels off to replace your Silverado 1500’s brake shoes, consider taking care of these maintenance tasks:
- Brake flush – freshens up old brake fluid for better performance
- Tire rotation – extends tire tread life
- Wheel bearing repack – prevents wear and tear on bearings
Knocking out additional maintenance while replacing brake shoes helps maximize value from the work.
FAQs About Replacing Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Brake Shoes
Let’s wrap up with answers to some frequently asked questions about Silverado 1500 brake shoes:
How do I know which brake shoes to buy?
Consult your owner’s manual for OEM part numbers. Auto parts stores can look these up. Provide your VIN and mileage for an exact fit.
What’s the difference between bonded and riveted brake shoes?
Bonded shoes are quieter with less vibration. Riveted are more heavy duty for towing and hauling. Choose what fits your needs.
Do I need special tools to do this job myself?
A basic set of hand tools plus a brake shoe tool, jack, and jack stands are all that’s needed. Specialty tools make things easier but aren’t essential.
Should I replace brake shoes on both sides at once?
It’s recommended to do shoes for both front or rear axles at the same time to prevent uneven braking. Stagger front and rear replacements.
Can I drive with worn brake shoes?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Braking performance will suffer and you risk damage to rotors, calipers, wheel cylinders and other components.
And there you have it – everything you need to know about replacing the brake shoes on your Chevrolet Silverado 1500. With the right prep and procedure, you can tackle this repair yourself and save hundreds compared to the mechanic shops. Drive safe!
