The Chevrolet Silverado is manufactured with a hydraulic braking system that uses a combination of rotors and disks and drums and shoes to stop or slow the truck. This system has had a high number of recalls, mostly due to the addition of a troublesome anti-lock brake system on later models. The mechanical and pressurized fluid systems can be diagnosed by the average backyard mechanic in about 20 minutes.
Fluid
Check the fluid in the master cylinder to ensure it is the proper color and level. Brake fluid should be a golden yellow color and translucent. It should be filled to the proper marking on the side of the master cylinder. Black, brown or missing fluid can indicate a problem with air or heat corrupting the integrity of the system. The master cylinder cap should be clean and free of debris, and the gasket on the bottom of the cap should be soft and maintain a good seal.
Pads and Rotors
Inspect the disk brake system for damaged components or excessive wear by removing the wheel (jack up the vehicle and turn the lug nuts counterclockwise) and checking the rotor, caliper and pads. The rotor should be smooth to the touch and not have pits or grooves worn into it. The pads should have a good amount of material left on them, and they should both be worn to equal thicknesses. The caliper can leak or have worn out seals that do not retract the pads fully; check the caliper for leaks by using a cotton swab to touch the inner caliper pistons while the brakes are assembled. Any fluid on the swab can indicate caliper piston seal damage.
Drums and Shoes
Inspect the drum braking system by removing the wheel, removing the drum by turning the keeper bolt (small hex-head bolt or screw holding the drum in place) in a counterclockwise direction, then pulling the drum free. There may be a small amount of dust at the bottom of the drum, or some dust may come out when the drum is removed. This is normal, but excessive dust or debris could indicate an issue with shoe materials. The shoes should have a good amount of material left, and the wheel cylinder at the top of the brake assembly should not be wet or leaking fluid. The wheel cylinder has two rubber seals prone to leak after years of service and should be inspected with a lint-free cloth.
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