🔧 Grand Cherokee - Rear Brake Pad Replacement

This repair replaces the rear brake pads on your Grand Cherokee. The rear brakes use an electronic parking brake, so the most important step is putting the parking brake system into brake service mode before removing the calipers.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Place the electronic parking brake in service mode before removing rear brake calipers.
• ⚠️ Never work under your Grand Cherokee supported only by a jack.
• ⚠️ Do not press the brake pedal while a caliper is removed.
• ⚠️ Wear safety glasses and gloves. Brake dust and brake fluid are irritating.
• ⚠️ Keep grease and brake fluid off the brake pad friction surface and rotor face.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not 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 3-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• 22mm lug nut socket
• 1/2-inch drive breaker bar
• 1/2-inch drive torque wrench
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 13mm socket
• 15mm wrench
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Brake caliper piston compressor tool
• Brake cleaner spray
• Wire brush
• Small bungee cord
• Turkey baster
• 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 kit - Qty: 1
• Brake caliper slide pin grease - Qty: 1
• DOT 3 brake fluid - Qty: 1 pint

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground, shift to Park, and chock the front wheels.
• 🧰 A torque wrench tightens bolts to the correct specification so they are not too loose or too tight.
• 🧰 A caliper piston compressor slowly pushes the caliper piston back in so the new, thicker pads fit.
• 📱 If your Uconnect screen has the option, use Apps > Settings > Brakes > Brake Service Mode.
• 🔌 If that menu is not available, use a compatible scan tool to activate Electronic Parking Brake Service Mode.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Activate Brake Service Mode

• Use the Uconnect screen and go to Apps > Settings > Brakes > Brake Service Mode.
• Follow the screen prompt until service mode is active.
• If your screen does not show this menu, use a compatible scan tool to command Electronic Parking Brake Service Mode.
• Turn the ignition off after service mode is active.
• Wait until motor noise stops.

Step 2: Loosen Rear Lug Nuts

• Use the 22mm lug nut socket and 1/2-inch drive breaker bar to loosen each rear lug nut about one turn.
• Do not remove the lug nuts yet.

Step 3: Lift and Support the Rear

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to lift the rear of your Grand Cherokee.
• Place jack stands rated 3-ton minimum under the approved rear support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands.
• Keep the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum lightly touching as a backup only.

Step 4: Remove Rear Wheels

• Use the 22mm lug nut socket and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to remove the rear lug nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels.
• Slide one wheel under the frame area as an extra safety backup.

Step 5: Remove the Rear Caliper

• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Use brake cleaner spray to rinse loose dust from the caliper area.
• Use the 13mm socket to remove the two caliper slide bolts.
• If the slide pin turns with the bolt, hold the pin with the 15mm wrench while turning the bolt with the 13mm socket.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket.
• Hang it with the small bungee cord so the brake hose is not stretched.

Step 6: Remove Old Pads and Clips

• Use the flat-blade screwdriver to gently pry the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Use the flat-blade screwdriver to remove the old metal pad clips.
• Use the wire brush to clean the bracket where the clips sit.
• Use brake cleaner spray to clean the bracket and let it dry.

Step 7: Compress the Caliper Piston

• Open the hood and check the brake fluid reservoir.
• If it is near the full mark, use the turkey baster to remove a small amount of brake fluid.
• Use the brake caliper piston compressor tool to slowly push the piston fully into the caliper.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir so it does not overflow.
• Move slowly and steadily.

Step 8: Install New Clips and Pads

• Install the new rear brake pad hardware kit clips into the caliper bracket by hand.
• Apply a thin coat of brake caliper slide pin grease to the pad ears only.
• Slide the new rear brake pad set into the bracket.
• Make sure the pads move freely in the clips.

Step 9: Reinstall the Caliper

• Lower the caliper over the new pads by hand.
• Install the caliper slide bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 13mm socket and 15mm wrench to tighten the slide bolts.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat on the Other Side

• Repeat the same process on the opposite rear brake.
• Rear brake pads must be replaced as a left-and-right set.

Step 11: Reinstall Wheels

• Put the wheels back on by hand.
• Use the 22mm lug nut socket to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to raise the rear slightly.
• Remove the jack stands rated 3-ton minimum.
• Lower your Grand Cherokee to the ground.
• Use the 1/2-inch drive torque wrench and 22mm lug nut socket to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 176 Nm (130 ft-lbs).

Step 12: Exit Brake Service Mode

• Turn the ignition on without starting the engine.
• Use the Uconnect screen and go to Apps > Settings > Brakes > Brake Service Mode to turn service mode off.
• If using a scan tool, command Electronic Parking Brake Service Mode Exit.
• Wait for the rear parking brake motors to finish cycling.

Step 13: Firm Up the Brake Pedal

• Use your foot to press the brake pedal slowly several times.
• Stop when the pedal feels firm.
• Do not drive until the pedal feels normal.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Check the brake fluid level and top off with DOT 3 brake fluid if needed.
• ✅ Start your Grand Cherokee and confirm there are no brake warning messages.
• ✅ Apply and release the electronic parking brake to confirm it works normally.
• ✅ Test drive slowly in a safe area before normal driving.
• ✅ Break in the pads with 8-10 gentle stops from about 30 mph, allowing cooling time between stops.
• ✅ Avoid hard braking for the first 100-200 miles unless it is an emergency.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $45-$120 (parts only)

You Save: $130-$330 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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