How to Replace The Brakes (Rotors/Pads) On A GMC Envoy With/For Your Dad

This past week my Dad and I replaced both rear brakes on our Envoy, This was part of my Fathers day gift. Replacing the old worn out brakes (really noisy too) was pretty simple if you have the tools (all hand tools) and the know how (the vehicles owner maintenance book. This project took (me anyways) about two-two and a half hours to do one brake. I also used allot of different sockets so I'm going to suggest that you just get a socket set, and I don't know all the sizes because some were in mm and others in inches. Obviously the brakes are a vary important part of your vehicle (especially one of this size)  so if you arn't comfortable with that much responsibility then perhaps you can just read the Instructable for "just in case" scenarios.  (just guessing from the maintenance book that this also works on trailblazers) 

Step 1: Tools

A socket set
small wrench
giant pipe wrench (optional)
lifting jack
support jack(s)
torque wrench
pliers
ratchet(s)
muscle power (or a big metal pipe to use as a leaver) 
hammer (for those who aren't really strong)
small piece of abs/pvc pipe to prevent damage to wrenches being hit by hammer (again for those who aren't strong including me)
C-clamp 

Materials
new rotor(s)
new brake pads
brake part cleaner
Those blue paper towels
lubricating fluid 

Comments

[Brandon43]

It's also a good idea to bleed the brake system after doing a brake job to get all the air out of the system. And make sure to pump up the brakes and make sure the pedal is firm before even turning the vehicle on let alone putting it in gear.

[Zaphod Beetlebrox]

Thanks again, we didn't bleed the system and its working fine. It is a good idea to pump the brakes first.

[Brandon43]

When depressing the caliper piston it's a good idea to open the bleeder screw as forcing fluid back through the system can damage the butterfly valves in the ABS unit.

[Zaphod Beetlebrox]

Thanks, I didn't know that.

[firstnonna]

The bolts on the tire need to be loosened before you jack up the car.

[Zaphod Beetlebrox]

Thank you forgot to write that up, it's in the ible now.

[Zaphod Beetlebrox]

The metal pipe we used was about 5 feet but it is used as a lever, I think a foot or so should do, make sure it fits over the handle of your wrench. Or take some padding and then hit the wrench with a hammer. It shouldn't be too difficult unless lock tight was used on the bolts (like ours). The clearance for the wrench was probably 3 inches, but our socket was about 2 inches long. Thanks for commenting its nice to know that people actually use what I write up -Zaphod