🔧 Rear Brakes and Rotors - Replacement

On your Sierra, this job means removing the rear wheels, calipers, brake pads, and caliper brackets so you can take off the rear rotors and install new ones. You’ll then compress the rear caliper pistons, reassemble everything, and torque the fasteners correctly so the brakes work smoothly and safely.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 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 a floor jack alone.
• Release the parking brake before removing the rear rotors.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Wear a dust mask if needed and do not blow dust with compressed air.
• If a brake hose is damaged or leaking, stop and replace it before 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 for truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Breaker bar
• 21mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 13mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Ratchet
• C-clamp
• Caliper piston tool (specialty)
• Bungee cord or mechanic's wire
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Rubber mallet
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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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 hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1
• High-temperature brake grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the transmission in Park.
• Chock the front wheels.
• Release the parking brake before removing the rear rotors.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts before lifting the truck.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the wheel nuts

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the rear lug nuts about one turn.
• Do not remove them yet.

Step 2: Raise and support the truck

• Use a floor jack to lift the rear of the truck by the axle or approved lift point.
• Set the truck onto jack stands placed securely under the frame.
• Remove the rear wheels with the 21mm socket.

Step 3: Remove the caliper

• Use a 13mm socket to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket.
• Hang it with a bungee cord or mechanic's wire. Never let it dangle.

Step 4: Remove the brake pads and hardware

• Slide the inner and outer brake pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and any worn hardware.
• Note how the parts sit before removing them.

Step 5: Remove the caliper bracket

• Use an 18mm socket to remove the two caliper bracket bolts.
• Torque to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs) during reassembly.

Step 6: Remove the rotor

• Pull the rotor off the hub.
• If it is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap the rotor hat area.
• If there is a rotor retaining screw, remove it with a flat blade screwdriver first.
• Clean the hub face with a wire brush so the new rotor sits flat.

Step 7: Install the new rotor

• Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner to remove protective oil.
• Install the rotor onto the clean hub.
• If equipped, reinstall the rotor retaining screw and snug it down.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper bracket

• Install the bracket using the 18mm socket.
• Torque to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Compress the rear caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp or caliper piston tool to slowly push the piston fully back into the caliper.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir under the hood so it does not overflow.
• Go slow to avoid damaging seals.

Step 10: Install the new pads

• Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the pad contact points on the bracket.
• Install the new clips from the hardware kit.
• Fit the new pads into the bracket.

Step 11: Reinstall the caliper

• Set the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the slide pin bolts with the 13mm socket.
• Torque to 31 Nm (23 ft-lbs).

Step 12: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the truck to the ground.
• Use a torque wrench and 21mm socket to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs).

Step 13: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the rear pads and rotors on both sides as a matched set.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before moving the truck. The pedal will feel soft at first, then firm up.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Start the truck and confirm the brake warning light goes out.
• Test brakes at low speed in a safe area.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops unless needed for safety. Bed the pads gently.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$350 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$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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