Chevy Traverse: Parking Brake Shoes Actuators Froze Solid - Missing Friction Material

[@TStheDeplorable]

Eric -- After about 13 years of doing my own work on my own cars, using videos like yours to learn, and building up my tools, this very day I take on my first paid job to supplement my retirement. I'm doing the brakes and a/c compressor on a rust free Toyota here in the Pacific north west! I'm at the point where I'm using the Autel bidirectional computer to diagnose when appropriate, and I hope to pick up and learn to use a PICO scope relatively soon. I wanted to be a mechanic when I was in high school but my dad talked me out of it. Well here I am 40 years later . . .

[@dave6199]

This day and age make sure you have insurance

[@spelunkerd]

Listening to techs complain about their work, I'll throw out a guess you made the right choice. It's been trendy to advise teenagers to "follow your passion", but the hard reality of doing this for a living means that in some occupations you have to put up with a lot. Some passions are better raised to the higher level of part time hobbies.

[@mph5896]

@@spelunkerdyeah, playing 5-10 hours a week is much different over putting in full time hours for many years doing it. You really want to hang out in a shop on 90f days working on garbage🤨. Or have a car drop salty water all over you daily in the winter time. Or sit in a climate controlled environment checking emails and pushing paper😉

[@LTVoyager]

No rust = no real challenge. 😁

[@2nickles647]

Sir. I've done the same thing. Over the years I've built up my tools. Worked on my own stuff plus work on other vehicle during my time off. And I didn't play around. Working on vehicles for over 40 years. Today I turned 69. I still enjoy working on my own vehicle. I've mostly stopped working on other people vehicle. Starting from the obd1 and to the current vehicle. I'm still learning. Sir. Thank you for your wanting to keep learning.

[@carolinamechanic]

Had a brake job on a rust belt Honda CRV down here last week. Took three times as long to do as one of our southern cars. Gives a whole new appreciation for what you go through. I'd be in a bad mood about it too.

[@JohnDoesGarage]

I used to live and work just south of Erie PA in the same rust belt as Eric but I live in South Carolina now where I have my own shop. I sure don't miss working on rusty scrap.

[@Averna222]

How many hours do brake jobs typically pay down there in paradise?

[@jameshatch3996]

@@Averna222 I work at a dodge dealer in rust free Washington state. Pads and rotors pay 2 hours. If you add calipers, it pays 3.

[@lawnboy8401]

Parking brake work is always enjoyable.

[@harrywalker968]

do you watch.. watch wes work.. his early vids on some of the vehicles, trucks, implaments, just rust.. but he did it.. amazing.. ausie..

[@ericfrazer4736]

"I'm super pissed off today" - "Is it helping you?" - "No." - "Then stop being pissed off."

[@2nickles647]

I've had those days before. I usually tell my wife. I go outside and work out my frustrations 😂😂

[@konradhittner4668]

That parking brake spring fitting well on the back side of the brake shoes must be another fine example of Dorman’s “Problem Solver” engineering at work.

[@MC-de6tf]

A real Mechanic like Eric is rare to find, most of what is called mechanic today are just parts changers. Be blessed. Peace.

[@rickharper1497]

I work on my own car, but I wouldn't have a problem with you doing repairs on it. You are a rare breed in these times! I've been watching you for years Dr O!!

[@johnpereira822]

Love how your a man of the people. You may piss and moan about customer not having all the parts needed but at the end you always come thru and get it done. That’s why all your subscribers are appreciative of your content

[@DeserTech]

Not sure about the frustration with that. If the customer is missing some parts, you source those parts yourself. If the customer has no parts you source all of them. Either way you have to get some (maybe all) the parts.

[@neiljuedes1661]

That’s what makes Eric such a good mechanic he has patience. I would had to walk away for awhile.

[@djgodden]

I've realized I don't even care what you're working on, I'll watch. Great content and commentary. Mrs. O cameo appearances and banter make me smile.

[@L8terdays]

I have a 99 f150. 297000 miles. New engine tyranny diff. No rust. Runs like a champ. I do my own work on it. No way am I going to spend 75k for a truck with computer crap all over it. Mine looks and drives like new. Sometimes your videos give me a nightmare with all the stuff one needs to find a problem. I'm 62 so stuck in my ways now. Love the videos. I watch all the time. Thanks for the good work. Your amazingly honest and thorough.

[@wilgerdes3240]

Years ago when I delivered parts for Big A, I remember a shop had a sign about bringing your own parts for them to install. It showed a fella' standing at a restaurant counter with an arm load of groceries for them to cook! It said don't expect us to use your parts! Got the point across pretty well. Plus, wholesale parts cost to shops allows a proffit to the shops who charge customer retail.

[@dddevildogg]

I worked also at 2 Big A franchises,back then cars seem to have many parts that fit a lot of models- and Big A sold a lot of parts and paint in my area/As a driver you put some serious miles on the tired old vehicles Now they are new and have A/C

[@timmiller9146]

I just spent half a day screwing around with this exact brake set and your video saved me another half day showing the CORRECT way to put the lower spring on. THANK YOU ERIC! Excellent vid.

[@Bob-se1si]

Being from Canada, I really understand the rust issue. Loved the way you were able to recover the actuator without replacement. Was a very thorough job and explanation. You appear very committed to the doing the the complete and correct job the first time. Wish your shop was closer for some of the work I really don't want to do on my small fleet. Great work!!

[@MarkTorgusen]

Don't get me wrong. I think you're the best mechanic and diagnostic technician I've ever seen. All auto manufactures have over designed the newer vehicles making it almost impossible for a good diy mechanic to fix their own vehicles. That's why I'll keep my 2005 duramax forever.

[@ralphwatten2426]

Video up 3 hours ago and 11K views. Shows the value of the content. Thanks Eric O. The stuff you work on looks just like the stuff I work on condition wise. Thanks again.

[@NatesHomeTours]

Not many shops will even let you bring your own parts. Mostly cause they don't bring the all the parts needed or they bring the wrong parts. I was fortunate enough that the shops would let me, since I worked at a parts store and I was the guy the shops called when they ordered their parts. So they knew me and that I was thorough in making sure they had everything they needed to get the job done.

[@jackdotts1476]

I don’t do any repairs anymore, but you are just fun to watch and listen to

[@joelplotecher7051]

Always appreciate your video's! Small engine mechanic for 21 years, auto mechanic for 0. You gave me the confidence to replace a rear wheel stud on our chevy spark. Thanks always we appreciate you all!

[@NoName-zn1sb]

your videos

[@joelplotecher7051]

@@NoName-zn1sb my mistake, yes.

[@craigmccolm285]

After having worked on vehicles since 1971, my hearing started failing at about 55. Now my favorite word is "what" ; my wife tried to get me to use hearing protection, but it was inconvenient, fyi.. I appreciate your videos.

[@darrellhewey1141]

Gotta love that road rash on the RF wheel

[@alanmoffat4680]

I can remember when replacing break shoes on my 1960 VW beetle, buying the brake pads separately and having to rivet them on to the old shoes. The brass rivets made a squeal on the drum when the linings had to be replaced.

[@Danzilly]

Love the techniques Eric uses to conquer the rust.

[@andrecampbell691]

For some unknown reason, I do enjoy a good brake video with my morning coffee. 👍😁

[@markB40]

Great watching as usual, you just proved with that adjuster that not everything needs to be replaced, some things can be “ manipulated” back to operational condition.

[@dddevildogg]

No parts,wrong parts immediately alters the flight plan. This lump is now taking up a lift.It's gotta go- into the parking lot Glad it's not a "waiter" because that impacts how many times the boss will ask you a stupid question and you're losing here too.Not just the money- also your patience Eric is really being a nice guy here.Keeping it cool. And probably the only man in 50-100 miles that would get that job done right This looks like a 3-5 hr job for an A tech with all the correct parts Road Salt equals quickly recycled unit

[@williamrizzo1285]

Gotta love the rust belt. I live in Florida, my only fear this winter is needing to wear long pants an shoes! 😅

[@DietBajaBlast]

Enjoy the 105 degree heat

[@erickdanielsson6710]

Love the Smell of Brake Clean in the Morning!!!

[@starcarrier1874]

“See, that’s why you can’t hear!” What! I love this stuff!

[@Yawwee]

Sure rains in PRNY Avoca a lot....on half your videos it is always raining !!!! Them tire pressure sensors have a mind of their own, I set all the tire pressures to 35, and as you go for a drive, one is 37, another is 34, another is 36 .....they are very rarely the same pressures across them all !!!!! I've never heard of someone who had the parking brakes worn down to the metal shoes !!!! Is that just a New York thing ??? Nice work, job well done, Eric !!! Seems no job is error free, always some kind of a problem to overcome or a set back encountered till the job is completed !!!! On to the next one. 😃😺👍

[@karencary3312]

Brighten up buttercup. We love you.

[@notyou6950]

Just wait till the customer requests a transmission service. Got to love those clam shell transmission cases.

[@SlimFarmer]

Dear Eric, wifes gone all weekend. Might go buy me a sound bar and crank up your KZbin videos to experience it like I’m right beside you. Have a good weekend!

[@kenmohler4081]

Wife’s gone? Perfect time to buy that sound bar!

[@MrRunner]

Well..........I admire your acceptance of a customers parts supply. Many shops here will not accept them because a) they lose profit and b) once the thing is in bits, have to wait as more parts are often needed and will charge for hoist time. SMA has shown customer support of the highest order.

[@tokuzumi1]

Traverse getting some track day prep with those racing rotors.

[@victorbellan8357]

Lots of patience! You make these jobs look easy, thanks for sharing!

[@dendkmac]

Tough days happen at least you were able to loosen it up without having to tear into it and have stuff fall apart, good job.

[@abw121]

Friday morning and Eric O doing a rusty brake job! Thank you for bringing us along!

[@nrvsauto8990]

Man I’m jealous of the new Thor gun, sweet racing blue power dial, upgraded grip!

[@hickorystx]

Very nice job, even with the rust issues. Hope your day got better. I can understand the frustration doing your job, but don't give in. Easier said than done. Mrs. O. gives good advice, just like my own Mrs. Hang on there Mr. O., life is good when you need it most! Thanks for all you do for so many. Great tips too!!

[@darwindwelle5267]

Thank you Eric for you do for us back yard mechanics. I have learned so much watching you over the years.

[@paulfiebke3909]

I'm happy don't have the rust in TN. Keep up the good work

[@robertfitzgerald3432]

Eric, you and Mrs O have such weight on your Shoulders. Everything almost is dependant that You are there each and every morning. Just want you both to know, I know. Eric..next-up, a Million SMA utube subscribers. You don't have to change anything.. so honest -- all the time.

[@georgereiss998]

I could watch you do brake jobs all day just for the commentary.

[@lynnmiller5183]

Eric when you have the exceptional expertise as you have it looks to be a simple job. I commend you for the great work that you provide. 👍

[@mattbrown5511]

The only time I bring my own parts is if I know them to be "un-obtanium" and know that they have a high chance of being used on that job. You are a good man Eric O.

[@theodorezalkind1179]

I always enjoy these videos. I am always amazed that customers send their own parts for installation. I want my tech to use the parts they feel are best and hope for good quality. Thanks so much for awesome automotive info!

[@MRrwmac]

Eric, You didn’t mis a lick! Got er all dun!

[@eltonyancey6426]

I sure wish you could send us some of that rain down to Texas. All we get is sunshine and Hotter than. Well you know. Thanks for another good video.

[@melvinjones3895]

2000 thousand miles Oh Wow. Chevy must be proud on this one.

[@mateo801]

You make this a unique special channel. Please don't stop producing content

[@rogern5368]

What you do is always the right thing no matter what ! It’s always a pleasure watching your work and the care taken for the vehicles your customers bring you, parts or no parts. Have yourself a great weekend rest up the lot is slap full of stuff to do. And as always “Thanks for posting” !!

[@ronaldsinclair6837]

Watching a break job is pretty boring, but at least you do them right. Good job Eric 👍

[@johnwesner3935]

My favorite is when the internal parking brake adjuster is rusted tight and you can't get the rotor off because of the rust ridge! Awesome 👍

[@rasmus1036]

I always cover the friction material on the brakeshoes with masking tape first thing I do when they are fresh from the box and remove it the last thing I do before I put the disc/drum on. Then I don't have to be to careful with oily and fingers hands when I install them 👍🏼

[@chefzackkasmar6767]

Eric Thank you for taking the time to film and edit all of these videos. I have been chasing a Can bus issue for some time on my Chevy Silverado. I watch all of your GM vehicle videos to get new ideas of what to do next. Just ordered a Pico2205 to get a better look. Wish you were on the west coast, would have brought the truck to you a year ago! You have a great woman in Mrs O! You guys make a great team! Cheers!

[@jluna1279]

I'm sure you already follow Ivan @pinehollowautodiagnostics. If not, he uses the picoscope like Eric uses the torch. Very effectively!

[@chefzackkasmar6767]

@@jluna1279 👌👌thank you! Will check him out!

[@legogummybear5]

Another great day Mr O. and another great video

[@rider547]

Yes! Another brake job! A little unusual but still informative plus a little lesson on the TPMS system! Great video! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@mboelts]

My mom had a 2007 Saturn Vue with the 3.6, still running with 236K on the original motor and trans. Got junked because the rust in CT/NY finally caught up with the unibody, but the body itself and inside was fine.

[@LAactor]

Saturns were the gems of GM. They lasted surprisingly well.

[@steadyeddie7453]

When the shop phone rang at 8:37 my first thought was that Mrs. O was calling just to get you to stop the air hammering.

[@dennisgundlach87]

Thanks Eric, for another very clear and concise not boring instructional video!

[@chrissmithz314]

10:10 I remember on my old 5mt subaru legacy, I had an issue with a squeak coming from the rear when I would get in and out of the car (I think with the parking brake engaged, this was probably 10 years ago). A heavy gust of wind could knock me over, so it's not like there was a lot of weight on the suspension components. Long story short, the lube on those shoe contact points (if there ever was any) had gone away, and that was the cause of the squeaking. So I guess I'm saying, sure doesn't hurt to lube them in a parking brake setup

[@walterdodds3925]

Mrs O be like,stop being pissed off,lol. Eric good morning.

[@stevealbers685]

Love Ms O..."No wonder you can't hear!"

[@jaybaker4447]

Always great to watch. I gave up on Rainman. He’s getting to sloppy. Doesn’t use torque wrench very often. Whereas you do always and that says it all

[@robertlacob8831]

Nice job Eric! You have a lot of intestinal fortitude my man!

[@jrhageman1]

That's why I'm so glad I work in Central Montana, I still work on older cars, had a 61 corvair last week and lots of 70's and 80'S every month, but the 2014 and newer and my bread and butter, P.O.S. may piss you off, and get frustrating but the older one help you keep your sanity, lol

[@jrhageman1]

btw, if You ever decide to take the family to Yellowstone, let me know!

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Good one Mr. O. Customer supplied parts and still needed you to get parts. Enough said. I have an 06 vehicle, replaced all 4 tpms sensors in 2015 due to batteries not liking the cold 9 years later. Now the replacements are over 8 years old. HMMMMMM!

[@andydelarue9344]

From the world wild web , we all would like to thank you for telling it like it is … real . Gee your good , keep it up .

[@jimb2580]

Hey. Great video it helped me a lot. 2015 traverse 165000 miles. All original.

[@baratono]

Slotted and drilled rotors on that high performance Traverse!

[@bobby9195]

Great job Mr Eric sir,I'm a day lyon watching your video, but I'm in class now 😊 thank you for the education you always help me

[@leecarroll1817]

Hello Eric/SMA LOVE your rust mitigation techniques in the PRNY. I most likely led a charmed life working on junk In Tx and middle east desert. Yes Vic can be an asset in these instances. LOVE YOUR CONTENT AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. YOU AND WWW ARE MY FAVORITES.

[@tyronjharry3529]

Always looking forward to your new videos, don’t matter what kind it is! 👍

[@mikedaugharty5544]

Great job there Eric sometimes you do win with dormant parts but not always

[@1320pass]

Customer supplied junk, lol. Those poser race rotors with the holes and whatnot are gonna fill up with rust and saw the pads right off. Give it a year, they'll be back. Edit; Thanks for doing the vids and teaching us, sharing your trade even when you're swamped in work. 🤙

[@hothmobile100]

My rust issues are not from salted roads but from atomized salt in the air mixed with high humidity. (I'm a block from ocean in Florida). So it's similar issues but different places. From the slight electrical charge from battery, it creates an accelerated rusting of the body and frame. I've gotten holes in my hoods, for example. What I do now is coat the undercarriage of my car and truck with Woolwax (lanolin grease) and under the hood, I soak inside of the hood and the latch, etc. with the Woolwax as well. Then I ceramic coat the crap out of my body panels. It seems to be helping with rust. The rotors and brakes just get a small coat of rust, not thick like this from salted roads.

[@stationaryenginesworldwide]

Great video Eric ...I can tell by all the comments,you truly put an effect to peoples lives.keep up the good Karma.

[@darylmorgan9887]

Another great video Eric O. Have a great day

[@kevincorkery6292]

Love Kroil from about 40 years ago when WD-40 wouldn’t loosen a bolt but someone offered Aerokroil and it worked. Sold!

[@mikerobbins5049]

Another good one Mr O. My wife’s 2009 Pontiac G8 has the 3.6. 130,000 miles. It’s had the code for timing chains for 50,000 miles now.... expecting something to happen any time....

[@DietBajaBlast]

A GM will run poorly longer than most vehicles will run at all.

[@AlanBurnham]

In my experience, the few shops that allow customer supplied parts, labor is billed at 1.5 times the regular rate. It helps cover the shops loss on the parts margin and makes frustrations experienced here easier to stomach. The best option is probably to just not allow customer supplied parts.

[@jimmyfiggs6293]

Looks like Someone needs a hug.

[@PatrickJago]

Even though nobody uses their parking brake, it’s wise to exercise it a few times a year.

[@harrywalker968]

i think she/he/they/them/it/alien/.... used it 100% times of the yr,, basicaly, used for stoping the vehicle from rolling when stationary,,so,,should never wear out..vehicles today have ding dings,,to tell you its on..i love ding dings,, there my friend, they tell me when i do something wrong,, such blish... no,,i hate them..

[@R_Forde]

I use mine every time I park my car. I am an odd one I guess. I even enforce that rule when my car is borrowed.

[@bradc9491]

Always use the parking brake. It's healthier for the transmission.

[@michaelsnively3621]

Definitely use the parking brake. Getting bumped in the parking lot happens and that's no good for the transmission.

[@richardthomas1743]

Happy Friday everbody!

[@beaverc2884]

Thank you, and happy Friday to you too. 😊😊😊

[@JGreen46]

Same too you

[@jwboilermaker]

I feel your pain Mr. O. I did rears on my truck and when I got the rotors off, of course the ebrake pads fall to the ground. The NAPer didn’t have the el cheapo parking brake, they had the hundo set in stock. Cheapanese pins to boot.

[@roywhite7833]

Eric, my ex-wife just got rid of her 2009 Buick Enclave CXL with over 300,000 miles. The A/C wasn’t working and she needed both catalytic converters replaced. She didn’t want to spend the money to repair it, so she bought a new car.

[@stevesnyder4069]

I love it that you are mostly using air and not battery tools. Me too. Electric is nice to have but on hi duty cycle stuff. AIR

[@octobersky64]

Another great job Eric tks . It's very sad that will rely on a country for everything . I guess we should starting making stuff in our own countrys like we should of years ago

[@PzKwT1]

HAPPY EASTER BUNNY HURRAY, Keep smilin Doc

[@tiredagain6722]

Woh Mrs. O, DON'T POKE THE BEAR!

[@benzboston]

awesome videos bro.really like how you show how to do all these jobs and all the tricks you have to make it easier

[@davidjeromedawson]

Send some of that rain down south. Feels like an oven outside this summer!

[@tomoakhill8825]

I am leaving my comment because you asked me to. I enjoyed this video.

[@RenoBusdriver]

I was going to ask about bringing your own parts. You answered it. Shops here refuse work if you bring your own parts.

[@toeknee6588]

I have a different labour rate for those customers

[@mph5896]

Buy your own parts, install your own parts😉. A car gets stuck on a lift torn apart because you brought the wrong parts. Shop is not going to be happy

[@Embermist69]

Some shops could just depend on the parts. Like if you bring a good subframe and have it installed. You would normally just pay for labor and new bolts and possibly anything that may break during the switch over. But other parts real questionable I say, like electronics I think shops should turn them jobs down unless it’s actually OEM parts, but even then that’s iffy.

[@RenoBusdriver]

@@toeknee6588 One shop I spoke with would use the parts but will not guarantee or offer a warranty. If the parts are wrong they add additional labor. Time is money.

[@richardthomas1743]

Chevy THUNDER!!

[@Todd66]

ugh…I need to do the emergency brake on my 02 town & country, totally not looking forward to it. Kinda cool that E did it here today so now I have reference material handy. Luv me sum SMA video

[@johnreid859]

I don’t miss the rust belt. Moved to FL in 05 from IN.

[@bryanlatimer-davies1222]

Almost sounds like Mr O prefers the aftermarket spring setup !

[@rightlanehog3151]

Eric, I call this the Chevrolet Travesty. 😉

[@mph5896]

Most of the issues with them is people not taking care of them. I know of 1/2 a dozen of them with 150k plus still puttering along reliably

[@phprofYT]

Yet people keep buying those overpriced wrecks.

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

😂😂😂

[@jblyon2]

@@phprofYT A friend bought one after being told by everyone not to. Just over 2 years later he's trying to unload it because it's got unfixable electrical issues all over.

[@andrewstratton806]

The only people that should be buying Chevy's are people that work on their cars.

[@davidd8435]

Thanks for the content and teaching, appreciate it Mr. O.