The rear brakes on the Chevy Avalanche are comprised of a two-piston caliper, disc pads and a brake rotor. The system is very similar to the front brakes on the Avalanche, giving the truck great stopping power and keeping the brake system very balanced. The brakes are easily replaced in the driveway or garage with basic tools, and the pads are readily available at any parts store or the Chevy dealership's parts department.
Open the hood of your Avalanche and find the brake master cylinder on the firewall. Open the cover and remove three-quarters of the brake fluid using a turkey baster. Replace the cover on the master cylinder and move to the rear of the truck.
Loosen the rear lug nuts with a lug wrench but do not remove them completely yet. Raise the rear of the truck with a jack, then position a set of jack stands under the rear axle to support it. Remove the lug nuts and wheels from the truck.
Locate the brake caliper mounting bolts and remove them with a socket and ratchet. Lift the caliper off the mounting bracket and support it with a piece of wire off the suspension of frame of the truck. Remove the brake pads from the mounting bracket and discard them.
Position a new set of pads in place on the bracket, then install the caliper over them. Install the caliper mounting bolts and torque them to 30 ft-lbs. with a torque wrench. Repeat the process for the opposite side of the truck.
Install the tires and lug nuts on the truck, raise it off the jack stands with a jack, remove the stands and set the truck on the ground. Tighten the lug nuts with a lug wrench.
