I have a 1997 Bravada with the first gen rear disc backing plates and they have rotted out. I can't find replacements anywhere. Dorman makes the 2nd gen (p/n 924-209), but not the 1st gen. Does anyone know of a source for these? The GM part numbers for the first gen are 12376043 and 12376044.

Are the backing plates even necessary?

Thanks.

 

Rear disc brakes were not available on first gen S&T, not even as an option. Rear disc brakes were optional on 1995 through 1997. 1998 and newer, rear disc brakes are standard equipment. These will bolt right up to yours: Dorman Products - 924-209

 

My Bravada is a 1997, which is a 2nd gen S&T. It has the first revision of the rear disc brake backing plate. The Dorman Product 924-209 is for the second revision of the rear disc backing plate and does not work with the first revision.

The first revision applies to VINs before 1gndt13w4vk203068 (chevy), 1ghdt13w8v2715385 (oldsmobile), 1gndt13w0v2191906 (chevy), 1gkdt13w5v2541124 (gmc) and has a 72mm pilot diameter. The 2nd gen in addition to being a completely different design, also has a 75mm pilot diameter.

 

Sorry, misunderstood. You have the first design of backing plate. GM parts catalogs online show those part numbers as discontinued. You might try asking a GM dealer if those are the current part numbers, they might have a superseded number.


Are the shields necessary? Car manufacturers never install parts that aren't absolutely necessary. In the case of the shields, it prevents water from the opposite tire splashing on a hot rotor. Cold water on a hot rotor... not good.

 

Would installing these convert it to the 2nd design? Or is there more that would be required?

More Information for ACDELCO 88935985

More Information for ACDELCO 88935986

 

You might be on to something there. It appears the calipers and brackets are the same for first and second design. Not sure about the parking brake shoes, hardware and cables though. Might be worth looking into. See if your local parts store will work with you, and return stuff if it doesn't work.

 

The rear axle shafts must be removed to replace the dust shields.

 

Yup, and the 2nd design backing plates.

 

Yes. It appears both rear parking brake cables and parking brake assemblies would need upgraded to the 2nd design. Installation would also involve opening the rear diff and pulling both rear axles. Looks like $320 in parts from Rock Auto plus garage labor (probably another $150). So roughly $500.

I am starting to wonder if all of this would be worth it just to have rear dust shields.

 

I've read that the rear dust shields can be cut, twisted, slipped over the axle, and tack welded back together. I think someone posted it on this forum.