🔧 Malibu - Rear Brake Pad Replacement

You’ll remove the rear wheels, take the rear caliper off, swap the old pads for new ones, and then compress the caliper piston so everything fits back together. The key is handling the parking brake correctly (some Malibus use an electronic parking brake that must be put in “service mode” before you push the pistons back).

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

Assumption: rear disc brakes; torque specs are typical for Malibu.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a flat, solid surface; never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Chock the front wheels so the car can’t roll.
• ⚠️ If your Malibu has an electronic parking brake (EPB), put it in service mode before compressing rear pistons, or you can damage the caliper/EPB motor.
• ⚠️ Do not press the brake pedal while a caliper is removed.
• ⚠️ Brake dust is harmful; use brake cleaner, not compressed air.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Lug wrench or 19mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 1/2" drive breaker bar
• Torque wrench (10-200 Nm range)
• Socket set (10mm-21mm)
• Hex bit socket set (5mm-8mm)
• C-clamp (6")
• Brake caliper piston compressor tool (specialty)
• Bungee cord or mechanics wire
• Wire brush
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Rear brake pad hardware/clip kit - Qty: 1
• Brake lubricant (silicone or ceramic) - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, steering straight, and chock both front wheels.
• Release the parking brake fully.
• If equipped with EPB, you must use a scan tool with EPB service mode (specialty) before you push the rear pistons in. “Service mode” retracts the EPB motor so the piston can be compressed safely.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen lug nuts and lift the rear

• Use a lug wrench or 19mm socket to break loose the rear lug nuts 1/2 turn (do not remove yet).
• Use a floor jack to lift the rear of your Malibu at the rear jacking point.
• Set the car down onto jack stands. Shake the car gently to confirm it’s stable.

Step 2: Remove the rear wheels

• Remove the lug nuts using a 19mm socket and take both rear wheels off.
• Set wheels aside where they can’t roll away.

Step 3: If equipped, retract the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)

• If your Malibu has an EPB button on the console, connect a scan tool with EPB service mode (specialty) and run the rear brake Park Brake Service Mode / Retract function.
• If you can’t retract EPB, don’t compress pistons.

Step 4: Remove the caliper (one side at a time)

• Turn the steering is not needed for rear; just position yourself for access.
• Locate the two caliper slide/guide pin bolts on the back of the caliper.
• Use the correct hex bit socket (commonly 7mm hex) with a 3/8" ratchet to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket. Hang it using a bungee cord or mechanics wire so it doesn’t pull on the brake hose.

Step 5: Remove old pads and hardware

• Pull the old inner and outer pads out of the bracket by hand. Use a small flathead screwdriver if they’re stuck.
• Remove the stainless pad clips (hardware) from the bracket using a small flathead screwdriver.
• Use a wire brush to clean the bracket pad “shelves” where the clips sit until they’re smooth (rust here causes sticking).

Step 6: Compress the caliper piston

• Before compressing, look at the brake fluid reservoir under the hood. If it’s very full, fluid may rise; keep an eye on it while compressing.
• Use a brake caliper piston compressor tool (specialty) or a 6" C-clamp to slowly press the piston straight back into the caliper.
• Go slowly and keep it straight so the piston boot doesn’t pinch.

Step 7: Lubricate and install new hardware + pads

• Install the new pad clips into the bracket by hand.
• Apply a thin film of brake lubricant to the pad ears (the metal ends that slide in the clips).
• If your pads include wear indicators, install them in the same position as the originals.
• Slide the new pads into the bracket. They should move freely.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Lower the caliper over the new pads.
• Reinstall the caliper slide bolts using the correct hex bit socket and a 3/8" ratchet.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs) for caliper slide bolts.

Step 9: Repeat on the other rear wheel

• Repeat Steps 4-8 on the other side.
• Do one side at a time to avoid confusion.

Step 10: Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts

• Put both wheels back on and hand-thread the lug nuts.
• Lower the car using the floor jack, remove jack stands, then set the car on the ground.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten lug nuts in a star pattern: Torque to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

Step 11: If equipped, exit EPB service mode

• Use the scan tool with EPB service mode (specialty) to run the Close/Apply function and exit service mode.

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✅ After Repair

• With the engine off, press the brake pedal 10-15 times until it feels firm. This seats the pistons against the new pads.
• Check brake fluid level and top off only if needed.
• Test in a safe area at low speed first. Confirm no grinding, pulling, or warning lights.
• Pad bed-in (burnish): make 6-10 moderate stops from ~30 mph to 5 mph, with short cool-down rolls between stops. Avoid hard panic stops for the first 150-200 miles.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $60-$160 (parts only)

You Save: $190-$290 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.8 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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