Posted: 12/06/2021
Of all the components of a vehicle to go bad, brake components can be one of the most worrying. Anything that helps your truck come to a complete and reliable stop is going to be at the top of any technician’s list. Brake rotors, the disks that your truck’s brake pads clamp down on to stop the wheels from spinning, are just as important as the pads. They’re vulnerable to wear and tear, just like anything else. These are the top three signs to look out for.
This is an obvious one, but it goes without saying: if you think your brakes might not be doing what they’re supposed to, get a professional to look at them. When your Silverado’s brake rotors wear out, it can be very dangerous. When you have to push the brake pedal harder just to slow down or stop when traveling at higher speeds on the freeway, then that's a major sign that your Silverado’s brake rotors are in need of replacement.
After a little while of driving your truck, you get to know everything about it, including every noise it makes. A brake rotor that goes bad will make a distinctive screeching noise as the brakes squeeze on a damaged or worn rotor disk.
You don’t need to take the tire off to see the rotor–you should be able to see the rotor just fine from the side. You’re going to want to look out for two things: discoloration and wear. Uneven wearing patterns, scoring, grooves, and other damage is a big indicator that your Silverado’s brake rotors need to be replaced.
Rotors for Chevy Silverados vary in price based on the year, though the average price tends to be around $100 retail. For instance, take a look at this 12” rotor front rotor for a Silverado 1500 PU and this rear rotor by PerfectStop. Generally speaking, front brake components tend to be larger and more expensive than rear ones.
You can use our guide, above, but your best bet is always to ask your professional technician. A regular inspection by an authorized provider will also reveal a worn or damaged brake rotor. You can trust your instincts, but it’s even better to trust a technician.
Keep in mind that brake pads and brake rotors have very different life cycles. A brake pad is meant to be worn down and, therefore, replaced around every 10,000 miles or so. Rotors are more durable and are expected to last longer, or around 50,000 miles.
If you are looking for brake rotors, and specifically a Silverado 1500 brake rotor then please take a look at the product below:
Search Arnold Motor Supply for the right brake rotors for your vehicle.
