Rusted Brake Lines

[vnotaro]

I have an 01' 4wd, ext cab, short bed with a 5.3 and about 35K. I was coming to a light on the highway when the pedal went to the floor. Luckily, I was able to get around the guy at the light and no one was coming the other way through the intersection because I went through the red light at about 50 mph. Turns out one of the brake lines along the frame rail on the drivers side had rusted through. After getting the truck home very slowly and carefully, I looked at the other three lines and they didn't look to be in such great shape either. I called the dealer where I bought the truck and asked if there was a problem with the brake lines rusting and he told me that although someone would bring one in every now and then, he didn't think there was a systemic problem. He then told me that I should replace all my lines and it would cost me about $2100, most of which was labor. After telling him that he was playing with himself, I bought the parts for about $120and did it myself. Has anyone else had a problem like this? I live in New York where the roads get salted in the winter. Would mud flaps up front shield these lines from salt? If anyone else has had a problem, have they gotten any relief from Chevy? I'm glad my wife wasn't driving when this happened. She definitely would have killed someone!

['97ventureowner]

Your vehicle is 6 years old, I'm surprised they didn't rust out sooner. I live in NY also, (Syracuse) where they really pile on the salt in the winter. I end up replacing various brake lines every few years in all my vehicles that I keep for any extended length of time. Metal fuel lines also rust out like the brake lines. I'm not sure mudflaps will be any help. I've seen vehicles with mudflaps still need their brake lines replaced due to rusting out. You might try coating the outside of the lines with undercoating or rust preventative to help them last longer. I bought a 2006 Uplander last year and had it Ziebarted because the vehicle it replaced was so badly rusted underneath to the point it would no longer pass the state's safety inspection. It will be interesting to see if O end up replacing the brake lines around the same time, or the rustproofing they apply will help them to last longer. I'm also not sure but I think back in '01 when the truck was new, the warranty on things like that was only 3 or 5 years, so your definitely out of warranty and GM will probably mention that if contacted.

[j cAT]

I have noticed rust on my silverado in this area. this is because the lines GM has used after 1996 do not resist corrosion . the drivers side wheel well needs an extention installed to cover the frame rail by 2inches in this area this will keep your new lines from being blasted by sand and salt also using a petroleum based undercoating brushed on will give added protection.the extention material used was rubber roofing. I also used this to enclose my rear wheel wells when sprayed with silicone snow ice will not stick.

[Mork]

Yes it is a common issue with trucks of that year. My 99 was the same way after 4 years. You should also check the backing plates on the rear brake system They also rotted off. Poor design and materials in this vehical.