Well, my brake lines finally broke (major corrosion - I am sure the fuel lines are next). I had new rubber put on the truck yesterday, got a call saying that I had a brake line leak. They left it on the lift until I got there, so I could take a look. It all looks pretty bad. They suggested I take it to the dealer, since there is no telling what else may need to be replaced. I think I am going to go ahead and have all the lines replaced, for peace of mind, considering we just came over Tioga Pass a month ago....Question, I am in CA (not registered), has anyone had a dealer do work on their TV that was obviously lacking emissions equipment? I have used my dealer in FL, I don't think it ever crossed their mind, however, being in CA, I am thinking it is a little different out here. I am envisioning them saying they will replace my brake lines as requested, then quote me for a CAT/EGR install also.... Thanks,Cale

calewjohnson wrote:Well, my brake lines finally broke (major corrosion - I am sure the fuel lines are next). I had new rubber put on the truck yesterday, got a call saying that I had a brake line leak. They left it on the lift until I got there, so I could take a look. It all looks pretty bad. They suggested I take it to the dealer, since there is no telling what else may need to be replaced. I think I am going to go ahead and have all the lines replaced, for peace of mind, considering we just came over Tioga Pass a month ago....Question, I am in CA (not registered), has anyone had a dealer do work on their TV that was obviously lacking emissions equipment? I have used my dealer in FL, I don't think it ever crossed their mind, however, being in CA, I am thinking it is a little different out here. I am envisioning them saying they will replace my brake lines as requested, then quote me for a CAT/EGR install also.... Thanks,CaleDon't worry about the dealer wanting to put a Cat/EGR or whatever on. It's not that bad..............yet. :W It would be a different story if your truck was under warrantee and your engine blew up with a tune on it. Hope you get it fixed soon.

I recently read an article about a potential recall of large trucks and SUVs for rusting break lines. GM was resisting the recall. Perhaps there is a secret program to help owners. It can't hurt to ask.

wgriswold wrote:I recently read an article about a potential recall of large trucks and SUVs for rusting break lines. GM was resisting the recall. Perhaps there is a secret program to help owners. It can't hurt to ask.Wow, a quick Google of that gives a lot of info. At least if I have it repaired at the dealer and a potential recall were to kick off, it would all be documented. What sucks, or is good - depending on your view, I have no brakes. The folks that found the brake leak let me take it home, I don't think I will be driving it to the dealer though, I had a couple oh******moments heading to the house.Cale

Turtle n Peeps wrote:calewjohnson wrote:Well, my brake lines finally broke (major corrosion - I am sure the fuel lines are next). I had new rubber put on the truck yesterday, got a call saying that I had a brake line leak. They left it on the lift until I got there, so I could take a look. It all looks pretty bad. They suggested I take it to the dealer, since there is no telling what else may need to be replaced. I think I am going to go ahead and have all the lines replaced, for peace of mind, considering we just came over Tioga Pass a month ago....Question, I am in CA (not registered), has anyone had a dealer do work on their TV that was obviously lacking emissions equipment? I have used my dealer in FL, I don't think it ever crossed their mind, however, being in CA, I am thinking it is a little different out here. I am envisioning them saying they will replace my brake lines as requested, then quote me for a CAT/EGR install also.... Thanks,CaleDon't worry about the dealer wanting to put a Cat/EGR or whatever on. It's not that bad..............yet. :W It would be a different story if your truck was under warrantee and your engine blew up with a tune on it. Hope you get it fixed soon.Thanks, I am sure I will find out tomorrow, going to try to get it in early...

If you are planning to keep the truck a long time, there are stainless steel brake line kits available.

GM Brake Lines | Good Sam Community

45 Replies

BurbMan
Explorer II
Aug 20, 2014
calewjohnson wrote:
No kidding, but it is what it is....cannot have the foresight for every failure.
Cale

Amen to that brother.
calewjohnson
Explorer
Aug 20, 2014
BurbMan wrote:
Time to do that would have before spending $4k on the brakes lines, right? At any rate, enjoy the new truck!! I have my eye on a new Ram when the burb is done.

No kidding, but it is what it is....cannot have the foresight for every failure. I knew the head-gaskets would be a problem, but I accepted that...

Cale
BurbMan
Explorer II
Aug 20, 2014
Time to do that would have before spending $4k on the brakes lines, right? At any rate, enjoy the new truck!! I have my eye on a new Ram when the burb is done.
calewjohnson
Explorer
Aug 20, 2014
In the last week, I have had two conversations with GM/Chevrolet. Yesterday, the district office for this area flat told me that they are not obliged to do anything unless forced by a recall. I reiterated my request, which was let me have parts at cost, which I will pay along with labor....great deal for all.

Today, the dealer called to tell me the truck will be ready tomorrow afternoon, before hanging up, the service associate stated that I would not receive a 10% discount (which use to be given, however, I was quoted the full price) because the new owners were trying to increase profits due to past losses....??

So, agitated and annoyed, I did what any sane (or not) person would do...I am picking up a 2015 F350 DRW 4x4 on Friday!!! I am excited!!

Cale
BurbMan
Explorer II
Aug 14, 2014
mich800 wrote:
Maybe they were confused on what the bottom line was and kept digging.

Maybe...
mich800
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
BenK wrote:
minnow wrote:
snip...

Aren't you glad your tax money was used to keep this company going ?

Agree, but disagree in that they *ALL* are like that...

Until they stop hiring and/or promoting pure bean counter management
types will this abate...

Whatever happened to management who actually manged their products...not
their bottom line...

Of course, fiduciary responsibility is a must too...but not the end all
decision basis that it is today in too many OEMs

The scary part is these bean counters were in charge of the former GM. Hopefully they find some magic beans in the new company. Maybe they were confused on what the bottom line was and kept digging.
BenK
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
minnow wrote:
snip...

Aren't you glad your tax money was used to keep this company going ?

Agree, but disagree in that they *ALL* are like that...

Until they stop hiring and/or promoting pure bean counter management
types will this abate...

Whatever happened to management who actually manged their products...not
their bottom line...

Of course, fiduciary responsibility is a must too...but not the end all
decision basis that it is today in too many OEMs
minnow
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
calewjohnson wrote:

...I did file a complaint with NHTSA and contacted GM Customer Care, hopefully they will help offset the costs, but not holding my breath...

You got that right. As the articles I linked to previously indicate, NHTSA has been "investigating" these sub-par brake lines since 2010 - with no action taken to date. Additionally GM still argues that these rotted brake lines are a customer maintenance issue and they wash their hands of the whole thing. Aren't you glad your tax money was used to keep this company going ?
BurbMan
Explorer II
Aug 13, 2014
Well, in fairness, that was 6 weeks of nights and weekends, in between business travel, family commitments, and my shade tree mechanic experience, even with the factory service manual. A lift would have made the job a whole lot easier too.

What saved me was having my daughter's car here to drive while she was in grad school in NY, so I didn't have to be in a hurry.
hawkeye-08
Explorer III
Aug 13, 2014
Glad it was caught before someone got hurt... (other than your bank account that is).