How to Replace the Brake Pads on a 2003 Yukon
The brake pads on the 2003 GMC Yukon are vitally important to the function of the braking system. When the brake pedal is depressed, the brake fluid causes the caliper piston to push the brake pads against the rotors. The friction created will slow and eventually stop the vehicle. If the brake pads are worn, they will be less able to handle the heat generated by braking and the brakes can fail. When you change the brake pads, it's a good idea to inspect the rotors for wear. Scored or warped rotors require attention as well.
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Things You'll Need
- Tire iron
- Tire blocks
- Lifting jack
- Jack stands
- 3/8-inch Allen wrench
- 10-millimeter wrench
- Flat screwdriver
- Drip pan or bucket
- C-clamp
- DOT-3 brake fluid
- Brake pad replacement set
Instructions
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1
Put the transmission in the Yukon in "park" and place tire blocks behind the rear wheels.
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2
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel with the tire iron.
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3
Lift the Yukon with the jack and place jack stands beneath the frame. Lower the vehicle onto the stands.
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4
Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel from the wheel bolts.
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5
Locate the two caliper bolts on the side of the caliper closest to the body of the SUV. Remove the caliper bolts with the 3/8-inch Allen wrench.
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6
Place the drip pan or bucket beneath the brake. Open the brake line bleeder valve with the 10-millimeter wrench. The valve is located near the upper of the two caliper bolts. One full turn on the valve will open it.
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7
Pull the caliper from the Yukon's rotor.
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8
Pry the brake pads from the caliper with the flat screwdriver. The pads are held onto the caliper by thin metal clips.
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9
Place the C-clamp around the caliper piston and the outside of the caliper. Screw the clamp, forcing the piston against the side of the caliper. Screw the C-clamp until the piston is flush with the inner side of the caliper. Brake fluid will drip from the bleed valve into the pan below.
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10
Close the bleed valve with the wrench.
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11
Place the new brake pads onto the caliper. The pads will snap into place with their own metal clips. Place the caliper onto the rotor and replace the caliper bolts with the Allen wrench.
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12
Return the wheel to the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts.
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13
Lift the Yukon to remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
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14
Tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron.
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15
Press the brake pedal three times and hold the pedal down for 10 seconds. Repeat the depressions and holding until the pedal response returns to normal.
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16
Lift the hood and remove the master cylinder cap. The master cylinder is located near the windshield on the driver's side of the SUV. Fill the container to the "full" line with DOT-3 brake fluid. Replace the master cylinder cap and close the hood.
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Tips & Warnings
Scored rotors can be replaced or resurfaced. Coarse rotors can lead to premature wear of new brake pads.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit brake calipers image by Tom Oliveira from Fotolia.com
