OEM GM Brakes & Brake Parts

How brakes work is simple. What brakes do is more complicated.

How Brakes Work

It all starts with your master brake cylinder. It shunts brake fluid to each brake caliper via a complex of brake hoses and brake lines. Each caliper clamps a brake pad to a brake rotor. Older vehicles may use a brake shoe instead. It presses a brake drum. Pads and rotors (or shoes and drums) produce friction as they contact one another. This friction slows and stops wheels and tires spinning. In newer vehicles, a control module or wheel speed sensors may even help.

How to Spot Brake Failure

Sooner or later, though, even OEM brakes can go bad. The top-quality systems GM makes are no different. How do you tell when to change brakes, though? Look for the signs:

• The warning light on your dash comes on
• You notice grinding, squealing, or squeaking noises when you brake
• You need more time and distance to stop
• Your vehicle shudders when you brake
• The brake pedal feels soft or squishy
• Your vehicle pulls to one side when you brake

Stay Safe | Install Genuine GM Brakes

If it turns out you do need new brakes, you can order parts online at our auto parts store. We carry only GM brakes, too. That means they'll be guaranteed to fit your model. Save project time and avoid the line at the parts counter. Buy now!