Best Brake Pads for Chevy Silverado: Our Top 10 for 2021

The brake pads on your Chevy truck are responsible for slowing the pickup down and stopping it before an accident occurs. Whether you are towing or driving to the office, you want to know that these brakes are working the way they should. With the best brake pads for Chevy Silverado trucks, you can ensure optimal stopping power in any situation.

We review the top brake pads for Chevy Silverado 1500 models and examine how often these vital components should be replaced. With our complete guide, you will find the model that best fits your budget and your driving style.

What are Silverado Brakes?

Automotive braking systems contain numerous parts, all working together to stop the vehicle. One vital part of the braking system are the brake pads. Silverado brake pads apply pressure to the brake rotors to stop the wheel from turning.

The brake pad is a flat piece of steel that contains friction material on one side. This material is what pushes against the rotor to stop the vehicle. While there are different types of brake pads (which we will discuss later), they all work the same way.

Best Brake Pads for Silverado 1500: Buying Guide

Before you settle on a pair of brake pads, consider these buying factors.

Compatibility

If you are looking for 2001 Chevy Silverado brake pads, don’t waste your time searching out 2005 Chevy Silverado brake pads. Instead, narrow down your search based on the Chevy Silverado year you drive. You also want to make sure the pads work with either two- or four-wheel drive.

Material

Brake pads come in a variety of materials. Depending on your driving style and what your goals are, you will choose a different material than the next guy. Towards the end of this article, we discuss the various types of brake pad material if you aren’t sure which type is best for your situation.

Application

If you are only planning to use your truck to get to work every day, you probably aren’t going to need brake pads for high-performance situations. In these cases, a cheap pair of Chevy brake pads might be sufficient. However, if you are towing or driving in extreme conditions, you are going to need a beefier set of brake pads.

Front or Rear Brakes

The front and rear brakes on a Chevy Silverado are not going to be exactly the same. If you only need to replace one or the other, it’s important you know which one you are purchasing for a superior fit.

OEM/Aftermarket

Some people feel the only way to install brakes on the Chevy Silverado is to choose an OEM replacement. This might be a good option for some people, but don’t overlook the value of aftermarket brake pads for your Chevy truck as well. You might be able to get more performance out of the pads for less money.

Brand

You might be able to save a little money purchasing brake pads from a brand that is new to the market, but this isn’t a good idea. Instead, choose a reputable brand that offers a warranty for your protection. You can also read through the customer reviews to find out how well the brake pads hold up.

Price

We understand the need to get cheap brake pads for Chevy Silverado trucks, but don’t ever sacrifice quality to save a buck. Instead, save up and get a decent pair of brake pads to ensure you stop your truck in time before an accident occurs.

10 Best Brake Pads for Silverado 1500 & 2500

1. ACDelco Gold 17D1367ACH Review – Best Brake Pads for Silverado 1500

Are you ready to replace your Silverado front brakes? With ACDelco, you can get a superior quality brake pad for less than most of the other brands. This set of front brake pads for Silverado trucks is constructed of ceramic for superior performance. Plus, ACDelco is GM’s brand, so you know the manufacturer understands your truck.

With the premium slots, chamfers and shims, you should experience less noise and vibration while braking. There is also a stamped backing plate that provides appropriate movement within the caliper assembly, guarding against premature failure.

You are going to have a hard time finding this quality of brake pad for such a low price. Plus, ACDelco extends a one-year warranty to customers for maximum peace of mind. With this OEM option, you won’t need to wonder if you have the right brake pads installed.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2014-2017 Silverado 1500
• Front or Rear: Front
• Material: Ceramic
• Warranty: 1-Year
• OEM Replacement

Pros	Cons
Made by ACDelco	Not long-lasting
High-quality ceramic construction
Stamped backing plate
Reduced noise

2. Power Stop Z36-785 Review – Best Brake Pads for Silverado 2500HD

When you are looking for the best brake pads for Silverado 2500HD, you can’t always choose the same type as the 1500. However, this set comes with insanely good reviews, proving that sometimes the same pads work well for both trucks.

These carbon-fiber ceramic brakes are high-quality without the high price. You can use these to make quick stops without creating a massive amount of dust. Plus, there’s a thermal scorched design that provides a quicker break-in time than some other options.

With the chamfered slots, you can count on a reduction in noise. Additionally, the brakes have a powder-coated backing plate to enhance the life of the pads. All sets include a premium stainless steel hardware kit and grease for a fast installation. With the 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty, you have nothing to worry about down the road.

Features:

• Compatibility: 1999-2007 Silverado 1500/2001-2010 Silverado 2500HD
• Front or Rear: Rear
• Material: Ceramic
• Warranty: 3-Year
• Thermal Scorched Construction

Pros	Cons
Fast break-in time	Initial noise might occur
Powder-coated backing plate
Reasonable cost
Less brake dust

3. ACDelco Gold 17D1707CH Review – Best OEM Brake Pads for Chevy Silverado

If you are performing a complete brake job on your Silverado truck, consider these OEM pads for the back wheels. These ceramic brakes are a perfect match with the front ACDelco pads reviewed above, providing you with the perfect balance of performance and value.

By molding the friction material to the backing plate, you are guaranteed bond integrity while proper pad movement is given. Plus, the unique design keeps the pads from wearing prematurely, even if you are hard on your truck brakes. With the premium slots, chamfers and shims, you know that the noise and vibration will be kept to a minimum.

The low price is definitely one of the selling features of these brakes. You don’t need to give up your child’s college education to ensure on-road safety. Additionally, ACDelco provides a one-year warranty, which is more than enough to guarantee proper craftsmanship. You just can’t go wrong if you need an OEM brake pad replacement for your Chevy pickup.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2014-2017 Silverado 1500
• Front or Rear: Rear
• Material: Ceramic
• Warranty: 1-Year
• Molded Friction Material             

Pros	Cons
Low price	Doesn’t offer a long life
Premium construction
OEM replacement
Less vibration

4. Hawk Performance HB322P.717 SuperDuty Review – Best Brake Pads for Towing

If you do a lot of towing with your heavy-duty truck, these might also be the best brake pads for Silverado 2500HD models. As ceramic brake pads, you know you are getting a high-quality construction for high-performance applications. When you tow or haul heavy goods in your truck, you need to be able to rely on your brakes, just as many other customers of these pads do.

Hawk Performance provides customers with a limited lifetime warranty, which is something unique to the brand. However, you are going to pay for it because the price is nearly double some of the others we have reviewed. Still, it’s considered a good value because of how durable and helpful it is while braking. You don’t want to spend less and find out you should have upgraded.

However, these brake pads aren’t compatible with every Chevy rotor. If you are running ceramic rotors, you will need to swap them out for the best rotors for Silverado trucks instead. Only with the right setup will these brake pads perform the way they were intended.

Features:

• Compatibility: 1999-2004 Chevy Silverado 1500/2500HD
• Front or Rear: Rear
• Material: Ceramic
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• Meant for Extremes      

Pros	Cons
Heavy-duty design	Expensive
Durable	Doesn’t work with all rotors
Limited lifetime warranty protection
Efficient braking power

5. Bosch BC785 QuietCast Review – Cheap Silverado Brakes

If you need 2004 Chevy Silverado brake pads but aren’t looking to break the bank, this set from Bosch might provide the value you hoped for. Bosch is known for making premium auto parts, but this complete set of brake pads also offers a cost-effective solution to your Silverado maintenance.

In case you missed it, this low price is for a complete set of brake pads, both for the front and rear of your truck. It’s tough to find a better value out there from such a reliable supplier. Plus, there are some benefits to these pads that aren’t found on other cheap options, such as the rubber core multilayer shim for a quieter ride.

The alloy construction includes copper-free ceramic plus a unique semi-metallic combination. The protective layer is meant to increase longevity, preventing you from having to perform too many brake changes. To top it off, there is a one-year warranty that further protects you while driving.

Features:

• Compatibility: 1999-2007 Chevy Silverado 1500/1999-2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
• Front or Rear: Both
• Material: Alloy
• Warranty: 1-Year
• Rubber Core Multilayer Shim     

Pros	Cons
Cheap	Don’t last long
Made from a reliable manufacturer
Includes a complete set of brake pads
Ideal for quick maintenance

6. Detroit Axle Kit Review – Best Front Brake Kit for Chevy Silverado

If you need to change your front brake pads and rotors, you might as well buy a kit that provides everything you need. Detroit Axle offers these ceramic brake pads complete with rotors for a superior installation. The ceramic pads handle extreme temperatures while protecting from heat fade.

Plus, the rotors are coated with zinc dichromate to prevent corrosion over time. With the slotted brake design, you get less dust while enjoying better heat dissipation. Considering everything you get with the kit, it’s not a bad value either. The company even adds a one-year warranty to protect you from premature failure.

With that said, there have been some complaints about the customer service. If there should be a problem, you might have trouble getting someone to help you. Thankfully, the customer reviews indicate that probably won’t be the situation.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2008-2019 Chevy Silverado 1500
• Front or Rear: Front
• Material: Ceramic
• Warranty: 1-Year
• Complete Set

Pros	Cons
Includes brake rotors	Poor customer service
Highly rated
Reduced heat fade
Create less dust

7. Wagner QuickStop ZD1363 Review – Highest Rated Silverado Brake Pads

It’s tough to argue with the reviews on these front Wagner brake pads. They aren’t just cheap but highly rated by customers. Because they are ceramic, they are built to provide a quiet operation that makes driving fun again. Plus, you will notice smooth braking that stops you in a hurry.

With minimal vibration, you will wonder why you ever paid more for brake pads on your truck. Additionally, Wagner provides the premium stainless-steel hardware and lubricant you need for a quick installation, saving you a trip to the auto parts store.

While you can save a buck on this set and you get a one-year warranty, it’s important to note that these are not intended for extremes. If you do a lot of towing or live in a harsh climate, you will want to save up for something a little more high-performance instead.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2008-2019 Chevy Silverado 1500
• Front or Rear: Front
• Material: Ceramic
• Warranty: 1-Year
• Includes Premium Stainless-Steel Hardware

Pros	Cons
Cheap	Not meant for extremes
Everything included for quick installation
Less noise
Reduced vibration

8. Power Stop K2067-36 Review – Best Brake Pads for Heavy Towing

If you do a lot of towing or hauling, you need a high-end set of brake pads to get the job done. This Power Stop kit includes your carbon-fiber ceramic brakes and heavy-duty rotors. On average, the set is going to create 30% less dust when compared with the OE brakes.

Plus, the rotors are drilled and slotted for maximum cooling and performance. With the included stainless steel hardware and brake lubricant, it won’t take long for you to get your new brakes installed. You also cannot deny the reviews this set has achieved.

Now, onto the bad part. You are going to pay for this level of performance. There’s no way around it. You could try to skimp on the set and buy something cheaper, but it simply won’t provide the stopping power you need when hauling a lot of weight around.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2005-2007 Chevy Silverado 1500
• Front or Rear: Front
• Material: Ceramic
• Warranty: 3-Year
• Includes Pads and Rotors

Pros	Cons
Complete kit	Expensive
Designed for extreme towing
Reduced brake dust
Includes hardware

9. Power Stop K2009 Review – Best Chevy Front Brake Pads & Rotors

Power Stop makes another great kit that includes both the brake pads and rotors. These custom-matched parts are specifically engineered to work together for complete stopping power on your daily drive. With the Z23 carbon fiber ceramic construction, you are guaranteed less dust.

Plus, the premium rubberized shims keep the noise to a minimum, while the slotted and drilled performance rotors maximize cooling. You will receive all of your stainless steel hardware and the brake lubricant to make installation easy.

You aren’t paying too much for this kit when you realize that you get the pads and the rotors. However, these parts aren’t made for handling extremes. Additionally, some people noted that they didn’t fit right with their vehicle even though they were supposed to be compatible. Do your homework to ensure you have the right truck before buying.

Features:

• Compatibility: 1999-2006 Chevy Silverado 1500
• Front or Rear: Front
• Material: Ceramic
• Warranty: 3-Year
• Includes Pads and Rotors

Pros	Cons
Kit includes pads and rotors	Improper fit for some vehicles
Reasonable price
Includes installation hardware and lubricant
Maximum rotor cooling

10. ACDelco Gold 17D1367CH Review – Best Chevy Silverado Brake Pads Value

You don’t have to spend a lot to get a good value and performance. With this set of brake pads from ACDelco, you get a superior OEM replacement without draining your bank account. These front brake pads are going to reduce annoying vibrations while helping you stop the truck faster.

The ceramic pads are integrally molded with a backing plate for superior integrity. Plus, the company provides premium slots, chamfers and shims that further reduce the on-road harshness. With the stamped backing plate, you know the pad is allowed to move normally within the caliper assembly, which protects from premature wear.

While we are big fans of using ACDelco parts for Chevy trucks, there have been a few complaints about these brake pads making noise. If you are noticing an increase in noise, the pads might not be fitted properly. Take a look at the installation and try again.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2008-2013 Chevy Silverado 1500
• Front or Rear: Front
• Material: Ceramic
• Warranty: 1-Year
• OEM Replacement

Pros	Cons
Reputable brand	Might create more noise
Great value
Quick installation
Backing plate improves movement

Types of Silverado Brake Pads

As you evaluate the different types of 2007 Chevy Silverado brake pads, you will find these main options.

Semi-Metallic Silverado Brake Pads

The semi-metallic brake pads are some of the most common on the market. They contain anywhere from 30% to 65% metal, while the additional material might be copper, wire or steel wool. These materials get bound together by organic resin and are molded into a particular shape before being baked in the furnace, which creates superior durability.

In fact, durability is one of the top benefits of using semi-metallic brake pads. These Silverado pads are more resistant to heat and are gentle on the rotors. They are also cheaper than ceramic brakes and work well in heavy braking situations. That’s why they are a top choice in high-performance vehicles.

However, they don’t work well in colder temperatures. If you deal with rough winters, you might not have much success with the semi-metallic Silverado brake pads.

Ceramic Silverado Brake Pads

By far, the best option in most circumstances is the ceramic brake pad. They are the most expensive, but they absorb heat like no other. If you are consistently looking to create sharp, harsh stops, this is the type of brake pad to invest in.

Ceramic brake pads are constructed from ceramic and other fill materials. When stopping, you will notice that the brake pads are quieter and cleaner than any of the others. Additionally, they are going to last longer than any other type.

However, not everything about these pads is ideal. It can take the ceramic brake pads some time to warm up. If you are using your truck to run to work or take the kids to school, they might not have enough time to warm up.

Non-Asbestos Organic Silverado Brake Pads

For the most part, these brake pads are constructed from mostly organic material. At one time, brake pads were made mainly with asbestos, but health concerns have changed that. These brake pads often include fiberglass, Kevlar, cellulose or rubber and are much quieter than other types.

While these are a great choice for taking care of the rotors, they will wear out very quickly. We only recommend these if you are using your truck for commuting. They aren’t designed for heavy-duty applications.

Low-Metallic Non-Asbestos Organic Silverado Brake Pads

With the low-metallic NAO brakes, you have better stopping power. This organic formula is mixed with some steel or copper, normally about 10 to 30%. With this unique recipe, the heat transfer is better, but it can be noisy. Oftentimes, these brake pads also make an excessive amount of dust.

Signs You Need to Change Your Chevy Brake Pads

When should you purchase OEM brake pads for Chevy Silverado? Here are a few signs that your brake pads need to be replaced.

Strange Noises

At first, you will start to hear squealing and squeaking coming from the brakes. If this noise occurs after heavy rain or bad weather, it might be normal. However, if it persists even in good weather, it’s a sign that the brake pads are wearing down. Your best bet is to have them checked before they become too bad.

Brake Pad Indicator Light Turns On

In newer trucks, you will have a brake pad indicator light that tells you when the material is wearing down. If this brake light comes on, you know it’s time to have the pads replaced before you start experiencing performance issues.

Grinding Sound

If you don’t have the brake pads changed at the first sign of trouble, the sounds are going to become more severe and eventually turn into a grinding noise. As the material wears away, the metal beneath it starts to rub against the metal rotors, producing a horrible metallic grinding noise. Not only can this cause damage to the truck rotor, but it can also hinder your vehicle’s stopping ability. Stop driving your Chevy pickup immediately and have the brakes replaced.

Vibrating Brake Pedal

When the brake pedal begins to vibrate, it could be a sign that the pads are wearing down. Sometimes, the vibration might also hinder your ability to stop the truck. If you feel like the truck is unsafe to drive, you should immediately have it looked at before you lose the capacity to brake any longer.

Brake Pad Material is Too Thin

With a physical inspection, you can tell when it’s time to change the brake pads. Take a peek through the spokes of your Chevy wheels and examine the material on the brake pad. If it appears to be ¼-inch thick or less, it’s time to swap them out for a new set.

How to Extend the Life of Your Truck Brake Pads

If you want to maximize how many miles you can drive on your brake pads, follow these helpful maintenance tips.

Watch Your Speed

The main cause of premature brake pad failure is due to braking at high speeds. It takes much more energy to stop while traveling 65 mph than 30 mph. The brake pads must transform energy into heat, meaning the more energy that’s required, the more heat is generated.  If you avoid speeding, the brakes won’t heat up as much as you can prolong their life.

Don’t Ride the Brake

There’s no reason to two-foot the pedals of your car. If you tap on the brake with your left foot while you are pushing on the accelerator, you are wearing out the pads prematurely. Learn to operate both pedals with one foot instead.

Coast More Often

If you are watching the flow of traffic ahead of you, there will be less reason to brake. As the speed begins to slow down, you can let off the accelerator and start coasting. Over the distance, your speed should start to come down slightly. This tactic is also helpful if you are on a hill because the incline will naturally slow the vehicle down.

Remove Excess Weight from the Vehicle

If you tend to carry a lot of gear in your vehicle, you might be straining the brake pads. Evaluate what is in the truck bed and cabin to ensure you need it all. Remove what’s not needed and lighten the load to ensure your brake pads last as long as possible.

Inspect Your Braking System

By regularly checking the braking system, you can ensure all of the parts are working as they should. If you notice the pads are getting low, replacing them immediately will help you avoid more costly repairs, such as getting new rotors.

How to Change Silverado Brake Pads

Whether you want to learn how to change front brakes on a Chevy Silverado 2500HD, or you have another model, the steps are all pretty much the same.

First gather your supplies. While the equipment might be different based on your truck, here are some basic tools to have on hand.

• Floor jack
• Comprehensive toolset
• Lug wrench
• Brake flaring tool
• Rags
• Brake cleaner
• Air hose

Once all of your supplies are handy, you will continue on with installation by following these steps.

1. Take Off the Tires

To get to the brake pads on your Chevy truck, you must first remove the wheel or wheels where you are working. Loosen up the nuts on the tire and use your floor jack to lift it. Once the vehicle is secured on jack stands, you can take the tire off.

2. Remove the Brake Pads

While the tire is off, clean up the area with some brake cleaner and your air hose. As you move forward with brake pad removal, take notes about the process so you can ensure everything gets put back together right.

To access the brake pads, you will need to take off the brake caliper assembly. Don’t remove the lines unless you need to. Also, take care not to bend or twist the lines. Simply remove the bolts found at the top of the assembly and it should come off.

Once the caliper assembly is off, you can clean it up. Additionally, you will want to clamp the brake piston down toward the lower portion to create more working space. Now, you are ready to take the old pads out.

3. Install New Brake Pads

Once the old brake pads have been removed, you are ready to install the new ones. Before you do that, take a look at the rotors to make sure they don’t need to be replaced. If there is damage to the rotors or they are looking thin, you will save yourself time and money by resurfacing them or replacing them. Otherwise, they could cause damage to your new brake pads.

Put the new brake pads in place and reinstall all of the components in the system by working in reverse order. This will require you to retract the pistons, monitor the brake fluid level and reposition the caliper. Perform this job for every set of brake pads you need to replace.

4. Test Drive Your Truck

After any major job, it’s important to test drive the truck to ensure everything was done correctly. Once the wheels are back on and you’ve lowered your vehicle to the ground, you want to test the brakes out. If you notice any trouble and you are unsure how to fix it, you might do better taking your truck to the mechanic for more support.

Here’s also a visual guide showing you how to replace 2008 Chevy Silverado brake pads.

Chevy Silverado Brake Pad FAQ

Can you teach me how to change rear brake pads on a 2000 Chevy Silverado?

With the right tools and a little mechanical know-how, it is fairly simple to replace your truck’s brake pads. Follow the steps outlined above and watch some online videos to get started.

How often should I replace my Chevy truck brake pads?

It depends on what kind of brake pads you use and how you drive. For the most part, you will need to change your truck brake pads every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, if there is an internal issue or you are hard on your brakes, you might need to change them more frequently.

Can I reuse the Chevy Silverado brake rotor?

The majority of auto manufacturers recommend replacing the brake rotor when it becomes worn. On older rotors, the material tends to be thicker and can be resurfaced. However, newer models are providing thin rotors, which don’t leave a lot of room for resurfacing. If you can resurface it and want to save money, that would be okay. Otherwise, you need to replace it.

Does my Chevy Silverado 1500 have ABS?

Newer Silverado 1500 trucks come with four-wheel ABS, but the system itself might operate differently than others. Before you purchase brakes for your truck, it’s important to know if your Chevy has ABS.

How much does it cost to replace my Silverado brakes?

Chevy Silverado 1500 brake pad replacement will cost around $300 to $400. The labor alone is going to be about $100, while the parts can be $200 or more for all of the brake pads. However, if you are able to perform the brake pad replacement on your own, you can save some money.

Conclusion

You can experience the stopping power you dream about with the best brake pads for Chevy Silverado trucks. With our top choices to pick from, there’s no reason to sacrifice quality any longer. Choose a budget-friendly option or upgrade the performance with one of the better brands. Either way, you are protecting yourself and others on the road from unneeded accidents with these simple replacements.

Here’s a summary of our top 10 brake pads: