🔧 Rear Brakes and Rotors - Replacement

This job means removing the rear caliper, old pads, and rotors, then installing new rotors and brake pads. On your Sierra, the rear brakes are standard disc brakes, and if it has a parking brake mechanism, it must be fully released before you start.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Use jack stands under the frame. Never rely on the jack alone.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it off with compressed air.
• If your Sierra has an electronic parking brake, put it in service mode before starting.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• Brake components may be hot after driving.

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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 wrench or socket
• 18mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp
• Brake caliper hanger hook
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Brake cleaner spray
• Wire brush
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1 set
• Rear brake rotors - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Brake hardware kit - Qty: 1 set
• Brake caliper slide pin grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• If equipped with an electronic parking brake, switch it to service mode first.
• Keep the ignition off unless a scan tool or parking brake service mode is needed.

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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 axle or approved lift point.
• Place the jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Remove both rear wheels with the 21mm lug wrench or socket.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use the 18mm socket and ratchet to remove the caliper guide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and hang it with the brake caliper hanger hook.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the hose.

Step 3: Remove the old pads and bracket

• Slide the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Use the 18mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the axle.

Step 4: Remove the rotor

• Pull the rotor off the hub by hand.
• If it is stuck, use the flat-blade screwdriver through the access hole or rotor face to help free it.
• Use the wire brush to clean rust from the hub face.

Step 5: Install the new rotor

• Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner spray to remove protective oil.
• Install the new rotor on the hub.
• Keep the rotor face clean.

Step 6: Reinstall the bracket and pads

• Reinstall the caliper bracket with the 18mm socket.
• Torque to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs).
• Apply a light coat of brake caliper slide pin grease to the slide pins if needed.
• Install the new brake pads and hardware into the bracket.

Step 7: Compress the caliper and reinstall it

• Use the C-clamp to compress the caliper piston fully.
• Make sure the old pad is between the clamp and piston face.
• Reinstall the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the guide bolts with the 18mm socket.
• Torque to 32 Nm (24 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall wheels and lower the truck

• Reinstall both wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the truck with the floor jack.
• Use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before driving to seat the pads.
• Check brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed first.
• Listen for rubbing or clicking noises.
• Recheck lug nut torque after a short drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹18,000-₹35,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹8,000-₹18,000 (parts only)

You Save: ₹10,000-₹17,000 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run ₹8,000-₹12,000/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-3 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.