Backing Plates on 99????

I was having this annoying rattle in the right rear wheel. When I took off the wheel to inspect it I found the backing plate rusted to the point of falling off. This is the plate that the hand brake cable goes through. I also looked at the other side and found that one rusted severly also. Has anyone else had issues like this? Frome looking at it I assume the side axels have to be removed to install new ones.
Thanks.

Mine are bad on my 99 too......back right wheel is worse then the left.

It appears that you have to pull the axles to replace them. Nice

My 2000 silverado rear plates rusted to shit and EM. cable rusted and froze up:disappoin

Em brake and rotors here on my 99.
Was told by the dealer that this is a common problem due to all the crap that sprays up on and into this area.
He thought there was a shield upgrade ?