🔧 Rear Brake Pads & Rotors - Replacement

Your rear brakes use disc rotors and pads, and the parking brake is built into the rotor hat area. Replacing the pads and rotors restores braking feel, reduces noise, and fixes rotor pulsation or deep wear grooves.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Release the parking brake fully before removing the rear rotors.
• If the parking brake shoes are stuck inside the rotor hat, do not force the rotor off; back off the shoe adjuster first.
• Use jack stands under the frame or approved lift points; never rely on the jack alone.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it off with compressed air.
• Keep brake fluid away from painted surfaces.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (pair, rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 10mm wrench
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp
• Brake caliper hanger hook
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Rubber mallet
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Rear brake rotors - Qty: 2
• Brake grease - Qty: 1
• Brake hardware kit - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Shift to Park.
• Set the parking brake, then release it before rotor removal.
• Break the rear wheel lug nuts loose before lifting the vehicle.
• Lift the rear and support both sides with jack stands.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear wheels

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen and remove the lug nuts.
• Pull both rear wheels off and set them aside.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use a 14mm socket to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and hang it with a caliper hanger hook.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the hose.

Step 3: Remove the caliper bracket

• Use a 14mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the knuckle.
• Torque on installation: 90 Nm (66 ft-lbs)

Step 4: Remove the rotor

• If the rotor is stuck, make sure the parking brake is fully released.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver to back off the parking brake adjuster through the access hole if needed.
• Tap the rotor hat with a rubber mallet to break it free.
• Remove the rotor from the hub.

Step 5: Inspect and clean the hub

• Use a wire brush to clean rust and debris from the hub face.
• Spray the surface with brake cleaner and wipe it dry.
• A clean hub helps prevent rotor runout.

Step 6: Install the new rotor

• Clean the new rotor with brake cleaner before installation.
• Slide the rotor onto the hub and confirm it seats flat.
• If it drags, recheck the parking brake shoe adjustment.

Step 7: Replace the brake pads and hardware

• Remove the old pad clips and install the new hardware kit.
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the pad contact points and slide surfaces.
• Install the new rear brake pads in the bracket.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper bracket and caliper

• Install the caliper bracket with a 14mm socket.
• Torque the caliper bracket bolts to 90 Nm (66 ft-lbs).
• Use a C-clamp to compress the caliper piston slowly if needed.
• Slide the caliper over the new pads and install the slide bolts with a 14mm socket.
• Torque the caliper slide bolts to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheels

• Put the wheels back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle and use a 21mm socket with a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts.
• Torque the lug nuts to 131 Nm (97 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Seat the brake pads

• Press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Check brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed first.

---

✅ After Repair

• Confirm the pedal is firm before driving.
• Listen for rubbing, scraping, or clicking noises.
• Verify the parking brake holds the vehicle.
• Do a gentle road test and make several moderate stops.
• New pads need a short break-in period.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$350 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$500 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

---

🎯 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.