Replacing GMC Sierra 2500hd rear brake pads and rotors

In this video I replaced the rear brake pads and rotors on a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500hd.
I attribute my successes to god and give him the glory.
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my god than dwell in the tents of wickedness. (psalms 84:10)

[@digi3218]

Awesome tip about filing the pads so they slide easily. These are the things that separate a diy job from a professional one. I have to do my brakes and rotors this weekend and I'm trying to learn everything I can so I can do them right and that the job goes smoothly.

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

Generally you shouldn’t need to file the pads but for some reason I’ve never been able to get them to fit right on that truck.

[@digi3218]

@@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic I have the same truck. Maybe a year newer so it's possible I could have the same problem.

[@brianm8633]

A very helpful video Jason. I use a old wood chisel for removing the rust then use a file. Great tip about the pads too.

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

I actually used a needle scaler on the last set and it worked pretty well. Oddly enough I do not own a wood chisel. I finally just used a carbide scraper a few weeks ago and it handled the rust pretty well too.

[@itsallgooddan]

Glad yours came out better then my the ones I did on our Grand Cherokee. What a pain it has been. Started by replacing all 4 rotors and all new pads. All because of a squeeking sound that just wouldn't go away. Couldn't find any other causes, so I replaced everything. That didn't fix it. So this weekend I replaced all slide pins and even the sleeves they slide in (slightly different then yours. This one the pins slide inside of the caliper itself not the bracket..) some of the sleeves were rusted pretty bad under the plastic/rubber sleeves. I was pretty surprised to see there was not any hardware for the pads. Ours didn't have the clips like I have seen on every other vehicle. They don't even sell any for this Jeep. It has a clip that holds the pad in from the outside of the caliper bracket. We shall see if the squeeking stops this time

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

I hope you get it too, Sounds like you worked for it. It’s nice when you finally figure it out, it shortens up the diagnostic process next time when you know what to look for. Experience well earned. 👍

[@robertsmith987]

Your subs are going up brother nice I have been here since like 50 congratulations

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

Thank you for hanging around. I appreciate you subscribing. it’s been almost 2 years now since I started the Channel, I think June is 2 years. Time flys.

[@glencaple3888]

Around 2004 was the first time I learned what brake caliper pins are. I borrowed my mother's car, (Ford Taurus), one day and noticed that when I applied the brake(s) the front end kept dipping/diving forward. Bought a Haynes manual for the car to work on the brakes before going to the shop for annual inspection. When I looked at one of the rear brake calipers I noticed that the pin was bone dry. Checked the other brake caliper and it was also bone dry. Removed both calipers and cleaned. Wire brushed the pins and coated with brake grease. Buttoned it up and road tested it. Brakes felt like a train on rails. No more dipping/diving. Also learned during this experience that alot of mechs won't grease the pins unless you tell them to. ??? Today, I do most of the routine maintenance on all my vehicles. If I am unable to work on a vehicle before it goes to the shop I ask the shop owner/mech to grease the pins. Such a small thing now that can help avoid bigger problems later on. Nice job with the touch-up on the brake pads to get them to fit. Recently worked on a vehicle and had to replace rear brake wheel cylinders. Bought them at a local auto parts store. The machine work quality on them was terrible. Had to do something similar to what you did to get the wheel cylinders to fit. Just a very small amount of deburring. But not something a customer should have to do. Again, nice job with those brake pads. Dude, you really should wear gloves when you're doing any kind of brake work. Have a great week!

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

That’s about how I got started working on vehicles too. I got a manual and just started doing my own repairs. Not being afraid to tackle bigger problems and eventually I got to where I am now. You need to be careful with these GM brakes because you can put too much grease on the pins and cause a vacuum lock that will cause the brakes to drag. Thank you for your concern with the gloves. Usually I do wear gloves, this is one of the few times I wasn’t for some reason.

[@digi3218]

@@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic Another interesting tip. Lol don't use too much grease 👍

[@craigdreisbach5956]

Thank you, once again. I'm glad you ventured into the "the dark side" of filing those poorly machined stamped pads. I totally agree with you. Harbor Freight sells a square file that works perfectly for removing the rust jacking behind the caliper hardware. Although they sell some crappy stuff, this seems to work well and so far the file has stayed sharp. Can't beat the price. South Main Auto promotes a similar set of files from Germany, but the price is like 60-70$. Kind Regards, Craig

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

No problem. I have quite a bit of harbor freight hand tools and I actually haven’t broken any of them. I heard south main auto say if you need to file your pads something is wrong and you didn’t do it right so that always runs through my head when I’m putting them in. I find at least on this truck the pads I get which are usually the most expensive offered at the store, don’t go in with out some alterations.

[@craigdreisbach5956]

@@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic Thanks for the reply. I agree with you completely. I followed south main's advice on my wife's Rav 4 and used NAPA ultra premium everything. (Rotars, pads.) I followed the "No grind/file" mantra. Although she is a little pedal heavy, the brake job just lasted 12,000 miles. At the time I did the replacement, I said to myself, "jeez, these are hanging up a little" I should have listened to my gut. I've been doing brake jobs since 1968. My only regret over those early years was not wearing a mask on the old drum brake shoes which were made of asbestos. So far, no health issues/mesothelioma issues. Keep up the great work. Craig

[@patrickhathaway6178]

Thanks for another great demonstration. Learned something new again....

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to watch.

[@nickpersenaire4443]

Thanks for sharing Jason, I need to do my brakes all the way around. 12 GMC Sierra HD Keep up the great work.

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

The manual I got the torque specs out of is for a 99-06, so you will need to verify the torque specs for your truck. I thought I should let you know.

[@ericcorse]

A good instructional video, thanks.

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

Thank you I appreciate that

[@lechido9288]

Good video.

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

Thank you

[@rdeereful]

Best so far, BUT ... No one mentioned the difference between the two pads ??? One has two clips on backside and the other has one ? Which pad goes inside and which one goes on the outside? Haven't seen anyone address this issue.

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

I do remember that they were different. I believe the one with 2 wear indicators will interfere with the brake pad holder or caliper on one side. I want to say the one with the two goes on the outside but I can’t remember exactly.

[@rdeereful]

Hope you are correct. That’s the way I installed them. Thanks for the reply and good job on your video.

[@dionlimperis8207]

I think I fell asleep 3 times during your video,...boring, but good info. Thanks.

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

It happens.

[@adamkorekach9936]

He’s long-winded. Lol

[@maylaforcebewithu]

Beware of Amazon "Confirmed Fit" as it does not ask enough model specifics and says it fits your truck when it might not. First mistake might have been mine as I may have selected the wrong engine code (1 or 2) Both codes are for Duramax diesel. The next two attempts were the ACDelco 18A928AC and the Raybestos Professional 580000R. Both of these were 3.5 inches deep instead of 3.63ish and wouldn't clear the E-brake. Frustrated, I went to get official GM part number and discovered that 15712801 is left and right, but 15712803 is left only. If Amazon had better specs like NAPA and O'reillys I could have avoided some of this hassle by selecting the 3.63 deep unit. I almost went to O'reillys and paid $80 but I discovered that Amazon had the same ACDelco 18A926A for $40 and I could get it the next day. It arrived as promised and fit. Anyone know if the G80 locking rear dif option might be causing my trouble?

[@MoDave82]

Is the caliper piston the same as the front ? Does it just push in or do you have to have a special tool?

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

The pistons just push in. No special tool needed besides a clamp or something like that.

[@MoDave82]

Cool thanks alot

[@jgoldie318]

Do you need to replace the drum brakes or is that the parking brake and that does not matter

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

The shoes on the inside of the rotor are for the parking brake. I usually just check that the shoes are free and not seized up, and make sure the fiber isn’t coming off the metal of the shoe. If they are free and look good I don’t replace them. You may need to adjust the shoes for the new rotor though.

[@jgoldie318]

@@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic ohhh ok. It was a first for me since I am used to drum or disc but not the combination of both. I followed the drum brake linkage which looks the same as an e/parking brake.

[@stewartdaniels2874]

Thanks for the information 👌👍🇺🇸🇺🇸an vid

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

No problem. Thank you for watching it.

[@adamkorekach9936]

Are the calipers stamped with the “J-##” designation? How do you determine the caliper model for the right torque specs?

[@joekerr1842]

There should be a sticker in your glove box with that info

[@adamkorekach9936]

@@joekerr1842 Yes indeed. I found it.

[@joekerr1842]

Should of watched this before I dropped a grand on new calipers

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

That sounds like a hefty sum, it amazes me what repairs go for these days.

[@joekerr1842]

@@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic that was just parts I changed it myself

[@philipmorin7151]

Too much talking