🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Replacement

Replacing the rear brake pads on your Silverado restores braking performance and helps prevent rotor damage. This truck uses a standard rear disc brake setup, so the job is straightforward if the caliper slides freely and the rotors are still in good shape.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the front wheels before lifting the truck.
• Use jack stands; never rely on the floor jack alone.
• Let the brakes cool first if the truck was driven recently.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• 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
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• 19mm socket
• 21mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp
• Bungee cord
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Rear brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake caliper slide pin grease - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Chock the front wheels firmly.
• If the rear rotors are deeply grooved, cracked, or below spec, replace them too.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and support the truck

• Use a floor jack to lift the rear of the truck at a safe lifting point.
• Place jack stands under the rear axle or approved support points.
• Lower the truck onto the stands and make sure it is stable.

Step 2: Remove the rear wheels

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

Step 3: Remove the caliper

• Use a 19mm socket to remove the caliper guide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a bungee cord.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the hose.

Step 4: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Pull the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver if the pads are stuck.
• Remove the old anti-rattle clips and hardware from the bracket.

Step 5: Inspect and clean the bracket

• Use a wire brush to clean rust from the pad contact points and slide areas.
• Spray the bracket with brake cleaner and wipe it clean with shop towels.
• Apply a light coat of brake caliper slide pin grease to the slide pins if they move smoothly.

Step 6: Retract the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp to slowly push the caliper piston back into the bore.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir while compressing the piston.
• Go slowly to avoid damaging the seal.

Step 7: Install the new hardware and pads

• Install the new hardware clips from the rear brake hardware kit.
• Place the new inner and outer pads into the bracket.
• Make sure the pads sit fully in the clips.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Set the caliper back over the new pads.
• Use a 19mm socket to reinstall the guide pin bolts.
• Torque to 31 Nm (23 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheels

• Put the wheels back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the truck off the jack stands.
• Use a 21mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Seat the pads

• Press the brake pedal slowly several times until it feels firm.
• Check brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Do this before driving anywhere.

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✅ After Repair

• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area.
• Listen for rubbing or grinding noises.
• Recheck lug nut torque after about 25-50 miles.
• If the pedal feels soft, stop and inspect the system again.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $60-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $190-$310 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.0 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.