How to Change Brakes in a Chevy Avalanche

When driving down the road in your Chevy Avalanche, if you hear a grinding sound as you brake, if your brakes grab and stop abruptly, or if there is a squealing sound while you drive, it may be time for you to change your brake pads. Luckily, the Avalanche comes with all-around disc brakes which are not only reliable but easy to take off and replace. The whole process for all four tires usually takes less than two hours.

Difficulty: Moderately EasyInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Tire iron
Wood blocks
Floor jack
Jack stands
Socket wrench
Rope or twine
C-clamp

Step 1
Loosen all of the lug nuts ¾-turn counter-clockwise with the tire iron. Do not remove the lug nuts before raising the Chevy Avalanche in the air. Set the wood blocks in front of the front tires.
Step 2
Set the floor jack under the rear axle of the Avalanche. Raise the vehicle until the rear tire is two inches from the ground. Set the jack stand under the rear axle. Remove the tire.
Step 3
Loosen the bottom bolt in the brake caliper mounting bracket with the socket wrench. Lift the bottom half in the air and tie it to the wheel well with the twine. The mounting bracket is attached to the rotor.
Step 4
Pull the brake pads out of the mounting bracket.
Step 5
Clamp the movable end of the c-clamp to the cylinder in the center of the mounting bracket and set the stationary end against the back of the mounting bracket. Compress the cylinder until it is flush with the bracket.
Step 6
Insert the new brake pads in to the proper slots.
Step 7
Bolt the bottom half of the mounting bracket back on to the rotor and put tire back on as well. Lower the truck and tighten all of the lug nuts with the tire iron.