How to Change the Rear Brakes on a GMC 4 Wheel Drive

GMC has made many trucks over the years, and most of them have four-wheel drive available if it is not already standard to begin with. GMC is smart enough to make their vehicles similar enough that changing the brakes on one of their four-wheel drive pickups is the same process, regardless of year. All brakes need to be changed regularly, about every three to six years. If you notice brake grab, a squealing sound when you drive, or a grinding sound as you stop, it is time to change those brakes.

Instructions

1

Loosen each of the lug nuts with the tire iron, two rotations counterclockwise. Place wood blocks in front of the front tires.

2

Place the floor jack underneath a stable portion of the undercarriage and raise the vehicle so that the tires are off of the ground. Place jack stands as directed in the owners manual.

3

Remove the lugs nuts and the tire completely and set them aside.

4

Remove the bottom bolt from the caliper mounting bracket with the socket wrench. Hang the caliper bracket from the undercarriage with a bungee cord to prevent strain on the brake line.

5

Remove the brake pads from the bracket. They will easily slip out by hand.

6

Compress the caliper cylinder with the C-clamp. If the clamp slips, place an old brake pad between it and the cylinder. If your cylinder is solid and has a groove running across it, you will need to use the compression tool.

7

Install the new brake pads by hand. Make sure that the black brake material is facing inwards, towards the rotor.

8

Rebolt the mounting bracket onto the rotor. Set the tire back on and tighten each lug nut by hand in a clockwise pattern. Lower the vehicle then tighten each lug with the tire iron.

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