How to Replace the Rear Brakes on a 2001 Silverado

The 2001 Chevy Silverado uses brake pads and shoes on the rear brakes. The brake pads need to be inspected and possibly changed at the same time that you change the front ones. The pads and calipers are larger than those on most other vehicles, so make sure that you get the correct size for the replacement pads. There are some slight differences in replacing the brakes for the 2002 model Silverado trucks, mainly depending on the size of the truck.

Instructions

Open the hood of the truck and remove two-thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir, using a turkey baster, syringe or other suction tool that has never been used for anything else.

Block the front wheels with wheel chocks, raise the rear end, support it on jack stands and remove the rear wheels.

Wash off the brake disc assembly with aerosol and brake cleaner, using a drain pan under the assembly to catch any residue. Wait for the disc assembly to dry.

Compress each of the caliper pistons into the caliper, using a C-clamp. Watch the brake fluid level in the mater cylinder as you slowly compress the piston, and make sure the fluid doesn't overflow.

Remove the caliper's lower mounting bolt with a wrench, then pivot the caliper upward to access the brake pads. On a 1500 model, hold the slide pin with an open-ended wrench while removing the bolt with a flare-nut wrench.

Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper mounting bracket.

Apply anti-squeal compound to the backing plates on the replacement pads. Apply the compound in circles that will match the edges of the caliper pistons.

Install the inner and outer pads into the caliper mounting bracket.

Lubricate the caliper mounting bolt with high-temperature brake grease. Pivot the caliper downward and install the mounting bolt with the wrench. Tighten the bolt to 31 foot-pounds for a 1500 truck, or 80 foot-pounds for a 2500 truck.

Reconnect the wheels after changing the brakes for both wheels, then lower the truck off the jack stands.

Refill the master cylinder with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid.

Press the brake pedal several times to seat the pads.