How to Replace GM Rear Brake Rotors

Rear brake rotors are integral to the brake system on all GM vehicles. If the rotors are warped or too thin to dissipate heat, they create all sorts of brake system problems, from shuddering to all-out brake failure. While it's a good idea to machine your rotors every time you replace your brake pads, once the rotors fall below their minimum thickness, you have no choice but to replace them. Anyone with basic automotive-repair skills can replace GM rear brake rotors in about an hour.

Instructions

1

Turn the rear lug nuts counterclockwise with your lug wrench until they're finger tight. Chock the right-front wheel to make sure the GM doesn't roll.

2

Lift the rear end of the GM with a floor jack and support it on jack stands, placed under the rear axle out by the spring perches. If the GM is front-wheel drive, place the jack stands under the rear frame on both sides. Remove the lug nuts and wheels by hand.

3

Rinse the rear brake rotors and calipers with brake cleaner, making sure the drop pan is under the brakes to catch the drippings or else you risk staining your driveway or garage floor.

4

Unbolt the brake caliper with your socket set, lift the caliper out of the mount and support it in the rear suspension so it does not hang from the brake line. Unbolt the mount with your socket set and lift the mount off the rotor by hand.

5

Slip the rotor off the rear hub and slide the new rotor on in its place. Thread one lug nut onto a stud to hold the rotor in place. Bolt the caliper mount and caliper back in place with your socket set.

6

Repeat steps 3 through 5 on the opposite side. Remove the two lug nuts and then reinstall the wheels and all the lug nuts by hand.

7

Lower the GM off the jack stands with the floor jack. Tighten the lug nuts with your torque wrench and then remove the wheel chocks from the right-front wheel.