🔧 Rear Brakes and Rotors - Replacement

The rear brake pads and rotors wear together, so replacing them as a set keeps braking smooth and quiet. On your Equinox, the rear caliper must be compressed before the new pads and rotor go in, and the parking brake must be released before removal.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Rear brake parts can be hot after driving.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• If your Equinox is equipped with an electronic parking brake, put it in service mode before servicing the rear brakes.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable only if you need to reset a service mode or the parking brake system commands require it.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• 21mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Bungee cord or mechanic's hook
• Rubber mallet
• Brake cleaner

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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 - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Brake caliper grease - Qty: 1
• Brake hardware clips - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and loosen the rear wheel lug nuts before lifting.
• If your Equinox has an electronic parking brake, switch it to service mode before starting. Use the vehicle’s brake service menu if equipped.
• Keep the ignition off unless the parking brake service mode instructions require it.
• Make sure you have the new pads and rotors ready before removing anything.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen and lift the rear of the vehicle

• Use a 21mm socket to loosen the rear lug nuts 1 turn while the wheel is still on the ground.
• Lift the rear with a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) and support it with jack stands.
• Remove the rear wheels.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use a 15mm socket to remove the caliper guide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a bungee cord or mechanic's hook.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the hose.

Step 3: Remove the caliper bracket

• Use an 18mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the knuckle.
• Torque on install: 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs)

Step 4: Remove the rotor

• Pull the rotor off the hub.
• If it is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap the rotor hat lightly from the back side.
• If your rotor has retaining screws, remove them first with the correct driver.
• Use a wire brush to clean rust from the hub face.

Step 5: Install the new rotor

• Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner and wipe it dry.
• Install the new rotor on the hub.
• If needed, hold it in place with one lug nut hand-tight.

Step 6: Install pads and bracket

• Apply a thin layer of brake caliper grease to the pad contact points and hardware areas only.
• Install the new brake hardware clips if included.
• Reinstall the caliper bracket using an 18mm socket.
• Torque to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs)

Step 7: Compress and reinstall the caliper

• Use a brake caliper compression tool (specialty) to push the piston back into the caliper.
• Compress slowly and evenly.
• Install the new brake pads in the bracket.
• Reinstall the caliper over the pads.
• Use a 15mm socket to install the guide pin bolts.
• Torque to 31 Nm (23 ft-lbs)

Step 8: Reinstall wheels and lower the vehicle

• Install the rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle with the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Use a torque wrench and 21mm socket to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs)

Step 9: Restore brake pedal feel

• Before moving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal slowly until it feels firm.
• If equipped with electronic parking brake service mode, exit service mode using the vehicle’s brake menu.

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✅ After Repair

• Check brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Make sure the brake pedal feels firm before driving.
• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area.
• Listen for rubbing, clicking, or scraping sounds.
• For the first 200-300 miles, avoid hard stops if possible to help the pads bed in.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $150-$300 (parts only)

You Save: $300-$550 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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