Three problems related to brake disc caliper have been reported for the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Brakes failed on a rural road but I was able to stop. Tried to push the brakes like normal, but they went all the way to the floor. I was able to stop, but with much difficulty. Took it to the shop and even though I just had new brake pads, rotors and calipers put on, I need to but new brake lines in which is over $1000. Sudden brake failure is the most dangerous thing that can happen in a car. I was lucky to be on a rural stretch of road where I was able to stop without hurting myself or other people.
Driving down a hill on my street the brakes gave way. I pushed the pedal to the floor and the vehicle did not stop. I was able to pull over and stop the vehicle. Upon inspection, the service station indicated the rear brake lines failed due to rusting. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the two rear brake lines were replaced as well as a frozen caliper. Updated 08/27/14.
The design of the emergency brakes is very poor and according to the 3 brake shops I visited, gm has a problem with the emergency brake system on Suburbans. The caliper clips on and is not "fixed" into position. What happened in my case and is quite common is that the pads slip and rub the drum without the knowledge of the owner. The only way to fix this is with new rotors and pads because the original equipment is so thin. The emergency brake is not adjustable, so the only corrective action is the above, but there is no guarantee it won't happen again according to the brake shops I spoke with. The clip gm provides to hold the pads in place didn't work the first time, so why would it work in the repair?.