How to Replace Rear Brake Pads on a 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 (Disc vs Drum, Classic vs New Body)
Step-by-step rear brake service with required tools/parts, safety tips, and configuration-specific torque specs for 2007
How to Replace Rear Brake Pads on a 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 (Disc vs Drum, Classic vs New Body)
Step-by-step rear brake service with required tools/parts, safety tips, and configuration-specific torque specs for 2007
đź”§ Sierra 1500 - Rear Brake Pad Replacement
On your Sierra 1500, the rear brakes can be either rear disc brakes (pads) or rear drum brakes (shoes), and 2007 also has a Classic vs. New Body split that changes hardware and torque specs.
Answer the two quick questions below and I’ll give you the exact, trim-correct step-by-step with the correct torque specs.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- 🛑 Support the truck with jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
- 🛑 Chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
- 🛑 Brake dust is harmful—wear a dust mask and avoid blowing dust with compressed air.
- 🛑 Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
đź”§ 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
- Lug wrench (22mm)
- Socket set (10mm-21mm)
- Ratchet (3/8")
- Breaker bar (1/2")
- Torque wrench (20-200 ft-lbs)
- C-clamp (6")
- Disc brake piston compressor (specialty)
- Flathead screwdriver
- Brake cleaner spray
- Wire brush
- Bungee cord
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
- Dust mask
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
- Rear brake hardware kit (clips/shims) - Qty: 1
- Brake caliper slide pin grease (silicone) - Qty: 1
đź“‹ Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, shift to P, and set the parking brake.
- Loosen rear lug nuts 1/2 turn before lifting using a 22mm lug wrench.
- Lift the rear with a floor jack and support the axle/frame with jack stands.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Confirm your rear brake type (pads vs. shoes)
- With the wheel still on, look through the wheel spokes using a flashlight (or remove the wheel with a 22mm lug wrench).
- If you see a caliper “clamped” over a rotor (flat disc), you have disc brakes (pads).
- If you see a round “drum” housing (like a metal bowl), you have drum brakes (shoes) (not pads).
Step 2: Confirm 2007 “Classic” vs New Body (needed for exact torque specs)
- Look at your VIN label date or door sticker isn’t needed—use the easiest visual: the body style.
- Classic looks like the 1999–2006 trucks (more rounded dash/front end). New Body is the newer, squarer GMT900 style.
- Reply with Classic or New Body, plus Disc or Drum.
Step 3: If you confirm “Disc”, I’ll send the exact pad replacement steps
- I’ll include the correct caliper/bracket bolt sizes, exact torque specs, and parking brake notes specific to your configuration.
- Disc brake piston compressor = tool to push piston in.
âś… After Repair
- Pump the brake pedal until it feels firm before driving.
- Do a slow test stop in your driveway, then a low-speed road test.
- Check brake fluid level and top off if needed.
đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $250-$500 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $40-$150 (parts only)
You Save: $110-$460 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-2.0 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
Reply with these two details and I’ll give you the complete, exact procedure:
- đź§© Rear brakes: Disc or Drum?
- đź§© Body style: Classic or New Body?
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.

















