Expert: Mike Evans - 9/5/2009

Question
how to get back brakepads off a 2003 gmc yukon denial

Answer
    Basically, you remove the two long bolts that hold the pads in place, and the other two bolts that hold the caliper assembly in place.  Those smaller bolts are coated with loctite at the factory.  You might have to smack them a couple of times to loosen the loctite.  Not a bad idea to use new loctite when replacing the bolts.  If any of these parts look especially worn or corroded you should replace them.  The pads just come out of the caliper once it's off of the rotor.  They have to be removed in a downward direction, opposite that of most Japanese and European cars.  Before replacing the new pads you should clamp the brake hose with vise-grips or something like that.  Be careful not to clamp tight enough to damage the hose, just tight enough to prevent brake fluid from going back into the system when you retract the pistons.  Attach a bleeder hose to the caliper to prevent air from going back into it, then crack the bleeder screw open and push in the pistons.  This will force the excess fluid out through the bleeder hose.  Once the pistons are retracted, the pads fitted, and the caliper returned to its home gripping the rotor, then you can tighten the bleeder screw and remove the hose.  It is very important that no air enter the system and no fluid be forced back up into the anti-lock pump.  If you've been using your parking brake correctly, i.e. only when parked, then you shouldn't have to fool with that bit at all.