Chevy Silverado Brake Pads & Service
TL;DR - Quick Answer:
Silverado brake pad replacement with competitive pricing. We recommend semi-metallic pads for Silverados due to the truck's weight. Same-day service available with quality parts and professional installation. Call (707) 584-7727 for quote.
Expert brake service for all Chevy Silverado models—1500, 2500HD, 3500HD. We understand the unique demands of truck brakes: heavy weight, towing stress, and the need for reliable stopping power. ASE certified technicians with 30+ years of truck experience.
Why Silverado brakes need expert attention:
Silverado Brake Service Pricing
Transparent pricing for Chevy Silverado brake services. Prices vary by model year, trim level, and brake type. Call for your exact quote.
Front Brake Pads Only
Call for quote
Est. time: 1-2 hours
- Quality brake pads
- Hardware inspection
- Rotor measurement
- Road test
Rear Brake Pads Only
Call for quote
Est. time: 1-2 hours
- Quality brake pads
- Hardware inspection
- Rotor measurement
- Road test
Front Pads + Rotors
Call for quote
Est. time: 2-3 hours
- Premium brake pads
- New rotors
- Hardware replacement
- Caliper service
- Road test
Complete Brake Job (All 4)
Call for quote
Est. time: 3-4 hours
- All pads and rotors
- All hardware
- Caliper inspection/service
- Brake fluid check
- Full road test
Silverado Brake Specifications by Generation
Different Silverado generations have different brake specifications. Here's what we work with:
2019-2025 (T1XX)
Front Rotors
13.6" - 14.0"
Rear Rotors
13.6" - 14.0"
Recommended Pad Type
Semi-metallic recommended
Heavy-duty brakes standard on LT, LTZ, High Country trims
2014-2018 (K2XX)
Front Rotors
13.0" - 13.6"
Rear Rotors
13.0" - 13.5"
Recommended Pad Type
Semi-metallic or ceramic
Duralife rotors on some models reduce brake dust
2007-2013 (GMT900)
Front Rotors
13.0"
Rear Rotors
13.0"
Recommended Pad Type
Semi-metallic recommended
Heavy-duty package includes larger rotors
1999-2006 (GMT800)
Front Rotors
12.0" - 13.0"
Rear Rotors
12.0" - 13.0"
Recommended Pad Type
Semi-metallic or organic
Classic body style, parts widely available
Why We Recommend Semi-Metallic Pads for Silverados
TL;DR: Your Silverado weighs 5,000-7,000 lbs. Ceramic pads are great for sedans, but trucks need the stopping power and heat resistance of semi-metallic.
- Superior Stopping Power:Semi-metallic pads have higher friction coefficient for heavy vehicles
- Better Heat Dissipation:Critical when towing or driving in mountains—prevents brake fade
- Longer Life Under Load:Semi-metallic pads handle repeated heavy braking better than ceramic
- More Affordable:Semi-metallic typically costs 20-30% less than premium ceramic
- Designed for Weight:Truck-specific semi-metallic pads are engineered for GVWR up to 10,000+ lbs
Exception: If your Silverado is used strictly for light commuting (no towing, no hauling), ceramic pads are a good option for quieter operation and less brake dust.
Brake Pad Comparison for Silverados
Semi-Metallic (Recommended for Most)
- + Best stopping power for heavy trucks
- + Excellent heat resistance (towing, mountains)
- + More affordable
- - More brake dust
- - Slightly noisier
Ceramic (Light-Duty Use Only)
- + Quieter operation
- + Less brake dust
- + Longer pad life (light use)
- - Less stopping power when hot
- - Not ideal for towing
Not sure which is right for your Silverado? Call us—we'll recommend based on your actual driving patterns.
Signs Your Silverado Needs Brake Service
Don't ignore these warning signs. Silverados are heavy—worn brakes are especially dangerous.
Squealing Noise
Wear indicators are telling you pads are low. Don't wait for grinding.
Grinding Sound
Metal-on-metal contact. Pads are gone—rotors being damaged. Service immediately.
Longer Stopping
Takes longer to stop than usual. Critical for a 6,000 lb truck.
Pulls to Side
Vehicle veers when braking. Could be uneven pad wear or caliper issue.
Pedal Vibration
Pulsating brake pedal indicates warped rotors—common on trucks that tow.
Dashboard Light
Brake warning light on. Could be pad wear sensor or brake system issue.
30K+ Miles
If it's been 30,000+ miles since last brake service, get an inspection.
Towing Soon?
Inspect brakes before any towing trip. Extra weight = extra brake stress.
Silverado Brake Service in Sonoma County
We service Chevy Silverados from across Sonoma County. Click your city for location-specific information.
Silverado Brake Service FAQ
Common questions about Chevy Silverado brakes, answered by our ASE certified technicians.
My Silverado shows 'Brake System Failure' after I changed the brake pads. How do I fix this?
This is a common issue on 2019-2023 Silverados. When you push the caliper pistons back without disconnecting the battery or activating Brake Service Mode, the truck's computer interprets it as a hydraulic failure. There are 3 reset methods: (1) Hold START button for 30 seconds with foot on brake, (2) Disconnect battery for 30+ minutes, (3) Clear codes with scan tool. See our complete guide at /blog/2020-chevy-silverado-brake-system-failure-reset-guide for step-by-step instructions. If DIY methods don't work, we can reset it with our professional scan tools.
How much does it cost to replace brake pads on a Chevy Silverado?
Chevy Silverado brake pad replacement pricing varies based on your specific model year, trim level, and the condition of your brake system. Silverados use larger brake components than sedans, which affects pricing. We provide competitive rates with no hidden fees. Contact us for free inspections and detailed estimates before any work. Call (707) 584-7727 for your Silverado's specific quote.
What brake pads are best for a Chevy Silverado?
For Chevy Silverados, we typically recommend semi-metallic brake pads for their superior stopping power and heat dissipation—critical for a heavy truck. If you tow trailers, haul loads, or drive in mountains, semi-metallic is essential. For daily commuting Silverados that don't tow, ceramic pads offer quieter operation and less brake dust. We carry ACDelco OEM, Wagner, Akebono, and Power Stop for Silverados.
How long do brake pads last on a Silverado 1500?
Silverado 1500 brake pads typically last 30,000-50,000 miles under normal driving. However, if you tow regularly, haul heavy loads, or drive in hilly terrain, expect 20,000-35,000 miles. The Silverado's weight (5,000-7,000 lbs) means brakes work harder than on lighter vehicles. Front pads wear faster due to weight transfer during braking.
Should I replace Silverado brake pads and rotors together?
Not always, but often yes for Silverados. Due to the truck's weight and larger rotors, Silverado rotors tend to wear faster than sedan rotors. If rotors are above minimum thickness (we measure during inspection) and not warped or grooved, you can replace just pads. However, if you're on your second set of pads or the rotors show wear patterns, replacing both ensures optimal braking and prevents premature pad wear.
Why do my Silverado brakes squeal?
Silverado brake squeal has several common causes: 1) Worn brake pads (wear indicators are squealing), 2) Glazed pads or rotors from overheating (common when towing), 3) Dust or debris between pad and rotor, 4) Low-quality aftermarket pads, 5) Missing or worn anti-squeal shims. If squealing is constant, get an inspection—worn pads can damage rotors and increase repair costs.
Do you work on Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD brakes?
Yes, we service all Silverado models including 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD. Heavy-duty Silverados have larger brake components and require specific parts. The 2500HD/3500HD often use semi-metallic pads and vented rotors designed for towing and commercial use. We stock HD-specific parts and understand the additional demands on heavy-duty truck brakes.
How do I know if my Silverado needs new brakes?
Common signs your Silverado needs brake service: 1) Squealing or squeaking when braking, 2) Grinding metal sound (pads worn to metal), 3) Longer stopping distances, 4) Brake pedal pulsation or vibration, 5) Truck pulls to one side, 6) Brake warning light on dash, 7) Less than 3mm pad thickness. Silverados are heavy—don't ignore brake warning signs.
Can I tow with worn Silverado brake pads?
Absolutely not. Towing with worn brake pads is extremely dangerous. Your Silverado already weighs 5,000-7,000 lbs—add a trailer and you could be stopping 10,000-15,000 lbs. Worn brakes dramatically increase stopping distance and can lead to brake fade (complete brake failure) on long downhill grades. If you tow regularly, inspect brakes before every trip and replace at first sign of wear.
What's the difference between Silverado 1500 and 2500 brakes?
Silverado 2500/3500 HD models have larger brake components than the 1500. The 2500HD typically has 14" front rotors vs 13" on most 1500s. Calipers are larger, pads are thicker, and the system is designed for higher GVWR and towing capacity. Parts cost more for HD models due to size and heavy-duty construction.
How long does Silverado brake replacement take?
Silverado brake pad replacement takes 1-2 hours per axle. If rotors need replacement, add 30-60 minutes. A complete brake job (all 4 wheels with rotors) takes 3-4 hours. We typically complete same-day service if you drop off in the morning. Due to the truck's size, we use a lift designed for full-size trucks to ensure safe, efficient service.
Silverado Brake Fluid Service
Brake fluid is critical to your Silverado's stopping power. We include brake fluid checks with every brake service.
Recommended Fluid: DOT 3
- All Silverados (1999-2025): Use DOT 3
- Change Interval: Every 2-3 years
- Towing/Heavy Use: Change annually
- Flush Cost: Competitive pricing (included with complete brake job)
Why Brake Fluid Matters for Trucks
Your Silverado weighs 5,000-7,000 lbs. When towing, you're stopping 10,000+ lbs. Degraded brake fluid can boil during heavy braking, causing dangerous brake fade.
Read our complete Silverado brake fluid guide →Related Silverado Services
Get Your Silverado Brakes Serviced Today
Same-day brake service for all Chevy Silverado models. Free inspection. ASE certified technicians who specialize in trucks. Serving Sonoma County since 1989.