🔧 Traverse - Rear Brake Pads & Rotor Replacement

Before I give you the exact step-by-step, I need one key detail because the rear calipers are handled differently depending on the parking brake type. On your Traverse, the rear brakes may require putting the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) into service mode before compressing the caliper piston.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2.0-3.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack—use jack stands.
• ⚠️ Brake dust and cleaner are irritating—wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ If your Traverse has an EPB, do not force the rear caliper piston back until EPB service mode is set.

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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
• 21mm lug socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 1/2" drive breaker bar
• Torque wrench (20–200 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set (metric)
• Hex key socket set (metric)
• Brake caliper piston compressor tool
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Bungee cord
• Wire brush
• Micrometer or vernier caliper
• Brake cleaner spray
• 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 rotors - Qty: 2
• Brake caliper bracket hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake lubricant (silicone-based) - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground, turn the steering straight, and chock the front wheels.
• Make sure the parking brake is fully released before lifting the rear.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts 1/2 turn using a 21mm lug socket and breaker bar before lifting.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Quick check needed before Step 1 (so I don’t steer you wrong):

• Does your Traverse have an electronic parking brake switch on the console/dash, or a foot-operated parking brake pedal?
• Do you have access to a scan tool with EPB Service Mode (bidirectional control)?

Reply with those two answers and I’ll immediately give you the exact, trim-correct procedure (including EPB service mode steps and torque specs) for your Traverse.

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✅ After Repair

• After I confirm your EPB type, I’ll include the correct post-repair checks (pedal pump, EPB function check, and bedding procedure).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $650-$1,050 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$450 (parts only)

You Save: $470-$600 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2.0-3.0 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.