Should the dealer replace my squeaking brakes?

Question

I have a brand new truck. About two months after purchase, the brakes starting squeaking real loud. After I mentioned this to the dealer, I was told that the trucks are coming like that from the factory, that these new truck brakes are being made out of a new material. I was told there was nothing they could do. I said that's bull****, something needs to be done. My truck currently is in the shop for another reason and they told me they would look at the brakes. I know nothing will be done though. They just told me that to try and keep me quiet. What should I do to get my brakes fixed? Do I have a case if I need to take it further?

It's a new body '07 Silverado

Answer 1

CALL THE SERVICE MANAGER AND TALK WITH HIM AND IF YOU DON’T GET ANYWHERE ASK FOR THE AREA ZONE MANAGER, I HAVE SEEN MANY TIMES.

THEY MAY JUST SCUFF UP THE PADS AND ROTORS FOR NOW BUT IF IT CONTINUES ASK THEM TO REPLACE THEM.

Answer 2

They are not lying to you. Auto manufacturers now install the cheapest brake rotors, pads, use the cheapest oils, fluids, etc. All to save costs cause customers complained about the high price of new cars.

So either you get a quality car and pay a higher price, or pay a lower price and deal with cheap products. The industry has gone to the 2nd due to the average joe's believe of, must get all things cheaper.

Same thing has now also happened to home industry. These quick builders use the cheapest vinyl siding, the cheapest hot water tank, stove, fridge, carpet, molding, etc.

Good friend bought a 180k home. Had oak trim, nope... foam painted oak. His house is barely 2 yrs old. HVAC and hot water tank has already taken a dump and replaced. His carpet is already about to be replaced and all flooring is being redone as the vinyl or tiles are coming up.

Don't blame the dealer, blame the manufacturer and then blame every day people. The dealer isn't screwing you around, telling you lies, etc. Those days are long gone but not out of the customers mind set.

I work around dealerships daily, and have for the past 20 yrs. My dad has been a Snap on Tools guy for his life and 30+ of mine. I tell you from experience and first hand knowledge.

You should be nice to your dealerships service department. For they are seperate and DO NOT like the salesmen up front. You don't like salesmen cause they rip you off, thats their job. But that is not the job of the service department. The guy sitting there does not make more or less due to what your vehicle needs. And mechanics don't add on extra work like most think. Cause the way mechanic labor hours work and how they get paid. The more work on one car, the more they work but the less they get paid. Compared to doing several easy repairs.

Sure, some mom n pop shop might cut a hose to make an extra buck. But not dealerships. They are held to rules and standards most don't realize. If a dealer is caught doing non business like practice. They can loose their franchise license for that manufacturer. And they do have people coming around checking dealerships all the time. Notice those odd looking license plates that say MAN or REP sideways? Thats the dealerships boss.

Answer 3

There may be an easy fix to your problem. You or your dealer may try the following to permanently fix the noise:
Remove the pads from the calipers. Clean the back sides (non friction surface) with CRC brake clean. Apply a .090 coating of CRC Brake Quiet to the steel side if the pads and let it dry for at least 20 minutes.

CRC brake quiet is a high temperature silicone material that provides a non hardening anti-vibration (noise) coating. You can find it at any NAPA, Car-quest, Auto Zone or Advance Auto.

Answer 4

Have them document this in writing. If they refuse, ask them why they would refuse to document it if it is a known, accepted fact? Ask for the manufacturer's service bulletin that describes the problem (there isn't one, I guarantee you).

Then do one of the following:
1. Take it to another dealership (but say nothign about what the original dealership is telling you).
2. Take it to an independent brake shop (if you're in the Dallas, TX area I know just the place).

Ask this other place to document the reason for the brake issue. This shouldn't be a problem; documenting the truth shouldn't ever be a problem, should it?

Then talk to the dealership's general manager. Ask him if he wants to go ahead and fix it or should you just send him the bill.

Answer 5

I'd say that the facory brakes are a test design .

Tell the salesman - service counter - that you demand that your brakes be replaced with a normal over the shelf pad.

Also you might want to have the rotors checked to make sure that they are not warped or scrap

Answer 6

here are some links that should give you some idea about squeaking brakes.

good luck i would ask them to replace it

Answer 7

call the GM complaint line that is in the back of your owners manual and see if they can do anything for you.