🔧 Rear Brake Pads and Rotors - Replacement

Replace the rear brake pads and rotors to restore braking power, reduce noise, and fix shaking or pulsation from worn rotors. This job on your Equinox includes servicing the electronic parking brake so the rear calipers can be safely retracted.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• The rear parking brake is electronic. Put it in service mode before removing the caliper.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• Support the vehicle securely with jack stands before removing any wheel.
• Brake parts can be hot after driving.
• Use brake cleaner only in a well-ventilated area.
• No battery disconnect is normally 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 vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 19mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Disc brake piston compressor tool
• Bungee cord
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Shop towels
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Scan tool with EPB service mode (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Rear brake rotors - Qty: 2
• Brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake caliper lubricant - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Shift to PARK and set the parking brake.
• Chock the front wheels.
• Put the rear parking brake in service mode before starting.
• If your scan tool has EPB control, use Parking Brake Service Mode.
• Keep one wheel on the ground until ready.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the rear of your Equinox at the proper lift point.
• Place jack stands under the rear support points.
• Lower the vehicle onto the stands and make sure it is stable.

Step 2: Remove the rear wheels

• Use the 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts.
• Remove the wheels and set them aside.
• Crack lug nuts loose before lifting.

Step 3: Put the rear parking brake in service mode

• Use the scan tool with EPB service mode to retract the electronic parking brake.
• Follow the scan tool prompts until the rear calipers are in service position.
• If your tool shows a confirmation, wait for it before continuing.

Step 4: Remove the caliper and bracket

• Use the 13mm socket to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a bungee cord.
• Use the 15mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the knuckle.

Step 5: Remove the old rotor

• Pull the rotor straight off the hub.
• If it is stuck, use a flat-blade screwdriver through the access hole to release the rotor.
• Use a wire brush to clean rust from the hub face.
• Clean hub rust for smooth rotor seating.

Step 6: Install the new rotor

• Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner and wipe it dry.
• Install the rotor on the hub.
• If your rotor has a retaining screw, install it and tighten it snugly.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper bracket

• Install the caliper bracket using the 15mm socket.
• Tighten to 125 Nm (92 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Install the new brake pads

• Remove the old pads from the bracket.
• Install the new pad hardware if included.
• Apply a thin layer of brake caliper lubricant to the pad contact points and slide areas.
• Install the new pads in the bracket.

Step 9: Compress the caliper piston

• Use the disc brake piston compressor tool to push the piston fully back in.
• Make sure the piston face stays straight as it goes in.
• Go slow to avoid seal damage.

Step 10: Reinstall the caliper

• Place the caliper over the new pads and bracket.
• Install the caliper slide bolts using the 13mm socket.
• Tighten to 32 Nm (24 ft-lbs).

Step 11: Restore the parking brake system

• Use the scan tool with EPB service mode to exit service mode.
• Let the system cycle fully before moving on.
• Check for warning lights on the dash.

Step 12: Reinstall wheels and lower the vehicle

• Install the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle to the ground.
• Use the torque wrench and 21mm socket to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Tighten to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before moving the vehicle.
• Verify the parking brake works normally.
• Check for brake warning lights.
• Test drive at low speed first.
• Listen for noise and feel for smooth braking.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops to help the pads bed in.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹14,000-₹28,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹7,000-₹16,000 (parts only)

You Save: ₹7,000-₹12,000 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run ₹8,000-₹12,000/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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