Two problems related to abs brake fail have been reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 based on all problems reported for the 2004 Silverado 3500.
Brake line failure due to rusted & corroded brake lines resulting in costly repairs. Luckily my 2004 chevy Silverado 3500 was stationary when brake line ruptured and I was not towing a trailer or loaded with cargo at the time of failure. The abs pump also failed prior to line failure. My father in law had similar issues with the same model year 1500. Why does gm not use stainless brake lines for such an important safety component.
County road (thank goodness). Driving about 45 mph when a lady turned off a side road in front of me. I stepped on the brake pedal to avoid a rear end collision. The brake pedal held momentarily but then went to the floor. I swerved right into the ditch and used the emergency brake to keep from striking her car in the rear. In order to get the vehicle home (approximately 3 miles), I had to use the emergency brake to stop. Could not afford to get the truck to the dealership (approximately 15 miles away in heavy suburban traffic) for diagnosis and repair. Saved up and took the truck to a local mechanic (09/2012). Mechanic ask if the truck had ever been under water. Reason for question was the brake lines, front calipers, and top forward frame were severely rusted. The brake lines rusted through causing a break failure. This truck has less than 21,000 miles, never been submerged in water, occasionally driven in the winter, washed frequently (especially in the winter) and waxed, and has zero body or bed rust. After repair, the abs light came on and stays on. I read somewhere on this site a bulletin regarding premature abs sensor failure and dealers fixing the sensors but I can not find the abs bulletin now.