Hope its ok to post this here.
A few years back I had to replace the rear disk rotors on my '00 Sierra.
Seems its a common problem in the northeast for them to rust prematurely.
This weekend I was checking my brakes and found the backing plates are totally rotted away.
I want to replace them and am wondering if I have to remove the axels to replace the backing plates. I see there is an axle retainer with 4 bolts, but I can't get to them as the axel flange is in the way. Thinking I have no choice but to pull axles, then replace plate.
Anyone have any experience with doing this?
If I need to remove axles, are they held in by c clips, or just the axle flange?
I have a posi rear, 4:11 gears. My Sierra is a 4x4.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

Chris

Yes, you will need to remove the axles. I had them rot away on my 2000 Silverado a few years ago. I believe the axle is held in by a c clip also.

Mine is a posi with 3.73 gears.

I currently have 214,000 miles on it.

The dealer ship can get them or you can get a whole kit online with the parking brake too. The parking brake pads will wear out too, might want to check them while you are there.

Bill

What happens if you leave them off? Any side effects?

LK

What happens if you leave them off? Any side effects?

LK

I'd say theres a good chance of dirt and crap getting caught in between the pad and rotor. Off of memory I think the backing plates themselves go for about $50 a piece, or the whole parking brake setup w/ plates for ~$100 a piece.

I may have a set of them. I had the rear brake set up from a 2000 1/2 ton. If I can find them you can have them for shipping costs. I'll check tomorrow and let you know.

I do still have them, let me know if interested. I think for just the backing plates shipping would be reasonable, maybe they will fit in a USPS flat rate box.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/64elcamino/parts/halftonrearbrakes.jpg

i had to replace all 4 rotors on the wifes 2003 Traiblazer, the origs just fall apart, cant even turn them-same deal, the rear backing plates were rusted, when i put the rotors on,
they rubbed the backing plates where the rust bulged them out-i cut some of it away, but still squeaks on turns-try and convince the wife its not a problem, lol

99 z71,281,000 miles and the plates rotted off long time ago.It just keeps going and going and going,,

It's a common thing on those trucks. I'd recommend buying the complete setup from the dealer, also when you have the rear cover off make sure and check the gears, I've seen them pitted in the past.

Thanks for all the replies.
Phillip: I appreciate the offer but I already purchased new backing plates.
Yours sure look clean compared to mine....wow.
Looks like I need to pull the axles to get to replace them.
Just need to order a new diff gasket now.
Thanks again

Probably no diff gasket.