🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Replacement

Your rear brake pads wear out over time and should be replaced as a set on both sides so braking stays even. On your Sierra, the rear brakes also use a parking brake inside the rotor, so you’ll need to make sure the parking brake is fully released before you start.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Support the truck with jack stands rated for the vehicle. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Make sure the parking brake is fully released before removing the rear rotors.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it off with compressed air; use brake cleaner.
• If the brake pedal feels soft after the repair, do not drive until the pedal is firm.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Bungee cord or mechanic’s wire
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

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

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the transmission in Park.
• Release the parking brake fully before lifting the truck.
• Chock the front wheels firmly.
• Break the rear wheel lug nuts loose before lifting.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the rear lug nuts one turn each while the truck is still on the ground.

Step 2: Lift and support the truck

• Use a floor jack to raise the rear of the truck at the proper lift point.
• Place jack stands under the rear frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Remove the rear wheels with the 21mm socket.

Step 3: Remove the brake caliper

• Use a 15mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Lift the caliper assembly off carefully and hang it with bungee cord or mechanic’s wire. Do not let it hang by the brake hose.

Step 4: Remove the brake pads and hardware

• Slide the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Use a flat blade screwdriver to remove the pad clips if needed.
• Remove the old hardware and clean the bracket with wire brush and brake cleaner.

Step 5: Inspect the rotor and parking brake area

• Check the rotor surface for heavy grooves, cracks, or heat spots.
• If the rotor must come off, make sure the parking brake is fully released first.
• Inspect the parking brake shoes while the rotor is off.

Step 6: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp to slowly push the caliper piston back into the caliper bore.
• Watch the master cylinder fluid level under the hood so it does not overflow.

Step 7: Install the new hardware and pads

• Install the new pad hardware from the brake hardware kit into the bracket.
• Apply a thin layer of brake caliper grease to the pad ears and contact points only.
• Install the new rear brake pads into the bracket.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Slide the caliper back over the new pads.
• Install the caliper bracket bolts with the 15mm socket.
• Torque to 129 Nm (95 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and start the lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the truck enough for the tire to touch the ground, then use a 21mm socket to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads on the opposite rear wheel using the same steps.
• Always replace pads in pairs.

---

✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before moving the truck. This seats the caliper pistons against the pads.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off only if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area first.
• Listen for rubbing or clicking, and recheck your lug nut torque after a short drive.
• If you replaced rotors too, follow a short break-in procedure with several gentle stops.

---

💰 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 1.5-2.5 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.