🔧 Rear Brake Pad Replacement - Brake Service

Replace the rear brake pads and inspect the rotors, caliper slides, and wear hardware while everything is apart. Your Sierra uses rear disc brakes, and if equipped with an electronic parking brake, it must be put into service mode before the caliper is serviced.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Put the transmission in Park and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Support the truck with jack stands only. Never work under a truck held up by a jack alone.
• If equipped, place the electronic parking brake in service mode before pushing the rear caliper piston back.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Use brake cleaner and avoid blowing dust with compressed air.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• After service, the brake pedal will feel soft at first until the pads are seated.

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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 truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 19mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm wrench
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or disc brake piston tool
• Bungee cord or mechanic's wire
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Gloves
• 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
• Brake pad hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and engage the parking brake before lifting, then release it when you are ready to service the rear brakes.
• Chock the front wheels firmly.
• If your truck has an electronic parking brake, use the scan tool to enter EPB service mode before compressing the rear caliper piston.
• Keep the ignition off unless your scan tool instructions require key on.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the rear of the truck

• Use the floor jack to lift the rear of the Sierra at the approved lift point.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Remove the rear wheel lug nuts with a 19mm socket and take off the wheel.

Step 2: Put the electronic parking brake in service mode

• If equipped, use the scan tool with EPB service mode to retract the parking brake system.
• Follow the scan tool prompts until service mode is confirmed.
• Never force the piston back first.

Step 3: Remove the caliper

• Use a 13mm socket and 15mm wrench to remove the rear caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a bungee cord or mechanic's wire.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose.

Step 4: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Slide the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad hardware clips from the bracket using a flat blade screwdriver.
• Use a wire brush to clean rust and debris from the bracket contact points.
• Spray the area with brake cleaner and let it dry.

Step 5: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp or disc brake piston tool to slowly push the rear caliper piston back into the bore.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir while compressing the piston.
• Compress slowly to avoid seal damage.

Step 6: Install the new hardware and pads

• Install the new brake pad hardware kit into the bracket.
• Apply the new rear brake pad set to the bracket in the same orientation as the old pads.
• Make sure the pads move freely in the hardware.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper

• Place the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the slide bolts and tighten them with a torque wrench.
• Torque to 38 Nm (28 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the truck with the floor jack.
• Use a torque wrench with a 19mm socket to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Exit service mode and pump the brake pedal

• If equipped, use the scan tool with EPB service mode to exit service mode.
• Press the brake pedal slowly several times until it feels firm.
• Check that the parking brake works normally.

Step 10: Repeat on the other rear wheel

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

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✅ After Repair

• Before driving, pump the brake pedal until it is firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off only if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area.
• Listen for rubbing or grinding noises.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops when possible to help bed in the pads.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $80-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $170-$270 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.

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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.