If you’ve been surprised by how quickly your GM truck or SUV is chewing through front brake pads, you’re not imagining things. GM recently issued a technical bulletin acknowledging premature brake pad wear on many popular models, and it could explain why you’re replacing pads more often than expected.

We’ve experienced this ourselves. After owning both a 2019 Silverado and a 2022 Silverado ZR2, we noticed our trucks seemed to go through brake pads faster than we thought they should. Even though our ZR2 was built in the first half of 2022—before the material change that GM pinpointed as the root cause—we’re still checking our brake pads just in case.

Here’s the lowdown on what’s going on and what you can do about it.

Which Vehicles Are Impacted?

The issue affects several models spanning multiple years:

If you own any of these trucks or SUVs, it’s worth paying attention to this bulletin.

What’s the Problem?

GM changed the front brake pad lining material mid-2022 to help reduce brake noise, which is a common complaint among drivers. Unfortunately, while the new material quieted things down, it also made the pads more prone to wearing out under high-stress conditions.

The problem shows up most often in situations where brakes get very hot—think stop-and-go city driving, mountainous terrain, or any other scenario with frequent braking. In these cases, the pads can wear down far faster than expected, leaving owners scratching their heads.

How to Spot the Problem

If your front brake pads seem to wear out after just a few thousand miles, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with this issue. Frequent pad replacements, reduced braking performance, or even unusual wear patterns might be signs that your vehicle is affected.

The GM-Trucks.com 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 splashing through a muddy puddle on a forest trail, showcasing its off-road performance.
The GM-Trucks.com 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 tackles muddy terrain on a rugged off-road trail. This model is among those affected by GM’s premature brake pad wear issue.

What’s Chevrolet and GMC Doing to Fix It?

While this isn’t a recall, GM has issued a solution for the problem: updated brake pads with a new part number (84847749) that are designed to handle high-heat conditions better.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • The updated brake pads must be ordered with your VIN to ensure you’re getting the correct parts.
  • Your dealer will need to inspect the rest of the brake system to rule out any other causes of wear before replacing the pads.
  • If you’re planning to replace your pads soon, make sure the dealer uses the updated part number to avoid running into the same issue again.

Steps to Take

  1. Check Your Pads: If you’ve noticed faster wear on your brakes or just want peace of mind, have your front brake pads inspected. It’s always better to catch the issue early than risk damaging your rotors.
  2. Schedule Service: Contact your GM dealer, mention the bulletin (PIT6134D), and confirm they’ll be using the new pads during any replacement.
  3. Watch Your Driving Habits: If you regularly drive in conditions that stress the brakes, like towing or city traffic, consider scheduling inspections more frequently.

A Note for Mid-2022 and Later Builds

Even if your vehicle was built after the material change in mid-2022, you might still experience this issue depending on your driving habits. GM’s updated pads are the best solution for now, so it’s worth double-checking if you’re seeing unusual wear.

For those of us who love these trucks, it’s reassuring to see GM addressing the issue and offering a specific solution. If you’re driving one of the affected models, take the time to check your brakes and make sure you’re ready for whatever the road throws your way.