🔧 Front Brake Pads - Pad Replacement

The front pads on your Sierra wear with use and need to be replaced before they get thin enough to damage the rotors. This job is straightforward, but you need to work cleanly and keep grease off the pads and rotors.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and chock the rear wheels.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on the floor jack alone.
• Brake parts can be hot after driving.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Use brake cleaner only in a well-ventilated area.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Bungee cord or mechanic's hook
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can
• High-temperature brake grease - Qty: 1 tube

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Put the transmission in Park.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Raise the front of the truck and support it with jack stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the wheel

• Use a 21mm socket to loosen and remove the front wheel lug nuts.
• Remove the wheel and set it aside.
• Keep the lug nuts together.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use a 15mm socket to remove the caliper guide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket.
• Hang the caliper with a bungee cord or mechanic's hook. Do not let it hang by the hose.

Step 3: Remove the old pads

• Slide the old brake pads out of the caliper bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and hardware if they are being replaced.
• Use a wire brush to clean rust and debris from the bracket contact points.
• Clean contact points help prevent squeaks.

Step 4: Retract the caliper piston

• Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder before pushing the piston back.
• Use a C-clamp to slowly compress the caliper piston fully into the caliper body.
• Watch the fluid reservoir so it does not overflow.

Step 5: Install the new pads

• Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the pad ears and contact points only.
• Install the new hardware if included.
• Place the new pads into the bracket.
• Make sure the friction material faces the rotor.

Step 6: Reinstall the caliper

• Lower the caliper over the new pads.
• Use a 15mm socket to reinstall the guide pin bolts.
• Torque to 31 Nm (23 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the wheel

• Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the truck to the ground.
• Use a 21mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads on the other front wheel the same way.
• Always replace brake pads in pairs.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal slowly several times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Verify there are no leaks or unusual noises.
• Test drive at low speed first.
• Break in the new pads with several gentle stops.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $70-$160 (parts only)

You Save: $180-$290 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.