Front brakes on a GMC Terrain require the right sockets, torque specs, and careful technique. Follow this guide to do it safely and correctly.
- Always support the vehicle on jack stands
- Wear safety glasses and gloves when cleaning parts
- Proper torque and angle‑turns are critical for safety
🔧 Tools & Supplies You’ll Need
| Item | Size/Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Lug Nuts | 19 mm socket | Breaker or impact ready |
| Caliper Slider Pin | 14 mm socket | Inspect & grease boots |
| Caliper Bracket Bolts | 21 mm socket | Use swivel if tight |
| Rotor Retaining Screw | T30 Torx bit | Small screw—may be absent |
| General Tools | 3/8″ impact gun, torque wrench, swivel | |
| Safety & Prep | Brake fluid, brake grease, parts cleaner, gloves, safety glasses | |
| Lifting Gear | Floor jack, jack stands, wheel chocks |
🛑 Step‑by‑Step: Front Brake Job on a GMC Terrain
1. Break Lug Nuts Loose
With wheels on the ground, use a 19 mm socket and impact or breaker bar to loosen lug nuts.
2. Jack & Secure Vehicle
Position floor jack at the front lift point. Raise vehicle, set jack stands, and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Remove Wheel
Remove lug nuts completely and pull off the wheel.
4. Remove Caliper Slider Pin (14 mm)
Use a 14 mm socket to remove the slider pin bolt. Pivot caliper up, inspect boots for tears, grease pin, and hang caliper safely.
5. Remove Brake Pads & Spreader Clips
Take out old pads and clips. Wire‑brush pad ears and bracket slots, then install new spring clips in correct orientation.
6. Remove Caliper Bracket (21 mm)
Remove the two 21 mm bracket bolts with swivel. Set bracket aside.
7. Remove Rotor Retaining Screw (T30)
Use a T30 bit to remove the screw, then slide rotor off hub (tap if needed).
8. Clean & Prep Parts
- Wire‑brush bracket faces and hub mating surface
- Clean new rotor with brake parts cleaner
- Apply brake grease to slider pin and pad ears
9. Compress Caliper Piston
Use a piston compression tool or C‑clamp to push piston fully back into caliper.
10. Reinstall Pads & Clips
Position new pads and spring clips correctly in the bracket.
11. Reinstall Caliper Bracket & Torque
Bolt bracket back on: torque to 111 ft‑lb, then turn an additional 15–30°.
12. Reinstall Slider Pin & Torque
Reinstall the 14 mm slider pin: torque to 30 ft‑lb.
13. Reinstall Wheel & Final Torque
Hand‑thread lug nuts, lower vehicle, then torque to 100 ft‑lb in a star pattern.
14. Pump the Brakes
Pump brake pedal until firm to seat pads before driving.
🔧 Pro Tips
- Always change both sides for even braking
- If pedal feels soft, bleed the brake system
- Check brake fluid level and top off as needed
👨🏾🔧 Need Professional Help?
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