Drum in hat style parking brake 'wore out' after only about 18 months. The failure occurred incrementally during the period as the pedal gradually had to be depressed further and further to be effective. Dealer replaced only shoes under warranty. One year later, after the same gradual decline in performance mentioned above, the parking brake lost functionality again. Dealer claimed neglect on our part by leaving the brake engaged while driving even though the gradual nature of the failure could be considered evidence to the contrary. A cable adjustment was made which did restore partial functionality. Yet even though we employed judicious use of the brake from then on, the repair lasted only a few years. We have had no functionality for several years now believing that some flaw in the design made them non-repairable. Recently it has come to our attention that this brake system (drum in hat manufactured by TRW) has had similar issues in other GMC products in which it has been employed and complaints have been filed (NHTSA item #1006115, service bulletin #020526001B for example). Also we discovered that an actual recall had been issued (NHTSA recall campaign #05V161000) apparently for the same TRW brake system in the GMC Sierra (model years 1999 thru 2005). Apparently it has been theorized that these brakes are failing because the shoes are not being adequately disengaged from the drum due to some defect in the return mechanism. We feel that the gradual nature of the failure, the service bulletins which target inadequate return spring tension, the variety of GMC models involved and finally our own (not provable) belief that the cause of these repeated failures is not from driving with the parking brake set warrant further investigation. Now that there is a proper fix available for this seemingly obvious defect, I intend to have it done. Thank you for your time.

- El Portal, CA, USA

There are several recalls out on my model of vehicle in which my vehicle has the same symptoms but when I run a check on the year VIN it comes back with no recalls. How can I make sure that my repairs should be covered under the recalls.

- Fillmore, IN, USA

Parking brake failure. Repeated service visits, first three times it was adjusted, this did not help another time I was told I needed calipers (installed). Problem persists. Parking brake fails to hold vehicle from rolling on even the slightest grade.

- Sunnyvale, CA, USA