Silverado backing plate

[silver6.0L]

I have a 2003 Silverado and the backing plate(splash shield) for the rear brakes are pretty much rusted away. From what I hear is a common problem on all GM trucks and suv's. Do these have to be there or can I do without? If needed how much should I expect to pay to have fixed? Also do I go aftermarket with the plates or stay with GM? Big difference in cost plus I notice on my wifes Torrent that the splash shield is starting to rust already. Is the aftermarket better quality than GM or just cheaper?

[Struggle]

YOu pretty much need that plate in place as snow and ice can cause you problems if it is eroding away. You can do aftermarket.

I am guessing it is rear disk and often with the plates in order to remove them you will have to pull the axles out so then you drain and fill rear axle and replace axle seals as well this time as preventive maintenance.

If you are paying regular shop time it will not be cheap. Ford has an issue like this where the backing plates (drum brakes) the hanger parts break off and one person I know spent over $1,000 to replace both rear drum backing plates and all new brake parts.

The master will chime in hopefully more on this.

[Struggle]

Also if you are seeing rust in places like that you can paint POR15 on those areas to slow it down.

[silver6.0L]

I do have rear disk brakes. Seems to be a common problem just wondering if the aftermarket plates are better than GM ones since I don't want to redo in a few years if GM hasn't fixed the problem. I was also wondering about the snow and ice. I was quoted a price of around $300 to fix.

[Struggle]

Price does not seem out of line to me. They must not need to take the axles out then. If that is the case then it could be a DIY project. Often the on things like this aftermarket is the way to go.

I replaced some door lock acutators on a 2000 Chevy 2500 a month or two ago and the dealer price was through the roof and aftermarket was half the price for two of them.

I don't have first hand experience in the replacement of the plates in your case but it is pretty straight forward procedure.

[GRRRR8]

You need them due to the e-brake shoes are attached to them as well.

[silver6.0L]

The axles do need to come out.