I had an 03 and now my 16 DTS is exibiting the same problem. It sounds and acts as though the brake pads need replacing but when the wheels are removed, the pads are only worn 1/2 at 70,000 miles. I check the rotors and everything ok. Even used a dial gague and out only 5ths. Relpaced the pads, (napa) and the problem is still there. Do I Need to use only Cadillac pads to eliminate the problem. I never could fix the 03 as I refused to take it to the dealer for something that schoul be cut and dry:confused:

Please give a better description of... "sounds and acts as though the brake pads need replacing"

What does it sound like...
What does it act like...

Texas Jim

Thanks for the response.

It was not a sound of metal on metal, but like the pads were thin, like thin brake shoes in drum brakes. The wear indicator was not touching the rotor.
It acted like nothing I've experienced before: fade, slight shimmy, you thought the brakes were gone. I experienced the same thing with my 03. Turning all the rotors and new pads did not fix the 03. I gave it to my son. He just lived with it. It is not a suspension problem, (i don't think) because the problem was a little worse with new pads. I have been doing brake jobs since the 50's and I've never experienced anything like this. Thanks

Thanks for the response.

It was not a sound of metal on metal, but like the pads were thin, like thin brake shoes in drum brakes. The wear indicator was not touching the rotor.
It acted like nothing I've experienced before: fade, slight shimmy, you thought the brakes were gone. I experienced the same thing with my 03. Turning all the rotors and new pads did not fix the 03. I gave it to my son. He just lived with it. It is not a suspension problem, (i don't think) because the problem was a little worse with new pads. I have been doing brake jobs since the 50's and I've never experienced anything like this. Thanks

What about the ROTOR's themselves?
On mine, at just 35 k, I feel viabration when breaking hard, but when gently rolling to a stop nothing is evident. When I did my oil and tire rotation at the dealer, they noted that Rotors were at Yellow.
So my guess is that your rotors are in need of replacing, I myself am looking at EBC 3G sport rotors and redstuff pads (b/c it's a PERFOMANCE SEDAN). it's going to be more expensive than napa or auto zone but hey as we all know "you get what you pay for".
I would'nt put any P.O.S. crap from auto zone or napa on a 50 thousand dollar car. And if you decide to go with original GO TO GM not CADILLAC.
Good Luck and let us know what happens.

I agree with CaddiLukKing, you need new rotors. Resurfacing the old rotors will proably not solve the problem. Cheap pads and rotors will probably solve the problem temporarily, but it might come back in fairly short order. Checking the existing rotors for thickness variations is not sufficient. Runout needs to be checked too. Just a few questions - what is a "16 DTS" and what are "5ths."

the 16 s/b 06, and the 5ths is 5 thousands as I did use a dial gauge to check the run out after I had the rotors turned. If I need to replace the rotors after 70,000 miles and never turned then one can understand why GM is bankrupt. Great concept but poor execution.

thanks for your suggestions. I will let you know

After reading the comments, I had all four rotors turned and put back in the original spot. I kept the new front brake pads as they were premium NAPA , but took the anti-squeal material off. Its that orange goop that dries rubbery and is supposed to prevent squeals. I bought new Wagner pads for the back, and when assembled the brakes are better than new. No sound or shimmey. It appears all new pads, at least the premium ones has an anti-squeal attachment that precludes the need for the goop. It also seems that on the aftermarket at NAPA, Wagner, ect there is only either premium ceramic, or low end organic. The recommended pad(by Cadillac and others) is a semi-metallic pad. So far the ceramic on back and mixed ceramic on the front are great. The bottom line is - turn all four rotors, replace all pads no matter how much is left, and your brakes will be great. My original brakes lasted until 65k and was only worn 1/2.