How to Change Brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra

If you’re a DIY enthusiast looking to save some money on car maintenance, change brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra yourself is a great project to take on. Although it might appear daunting changing the brake pads on your Sierra is actually a simple task that can be done in just a few hours with the proper tools and some basic knowledge.

Gathering Your Tools and Equipment

Before you start to change brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra, make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand:

• Floor jack and jack stands to lift and support your truck
• Socket wrench/ratchet with a 14mm socket for the caliper bolts
• Brake piston kit to retract the caliper piston
• Pliers to help remove and install brake hardware
• OBD2 scanner to put the electronic parking brake in service mode
• Loctite threadlocker for reinstalling the caliper bolts securely
• New brake pads (the video uses Bosch QuietCast ceramic pads)
• Bleeder screw wrench for the brake caliper

Safely Lifting and Supporting Your Truck

The first step to change brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra is to securely lift your truck:

1. Make sure to park your vehicle on a level surface and activate the parking brake.
2. Secure wheel chocks, in front of the tires.
3. Position a floor jack beneath the axle. Raise the truck.
4. Place jack stands under the frame to provide support.
5. Lower the truck onto the jack stands securely.

Remember it’s important to use jack stands when performing maintenance under your vehicle, like changing brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra or conducting any work underneath.

Putting the Parking Brake in Service Mode

Since your Sierra has an electronic parking brake, you’ll need to put it into service mode before you can change brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra:

1. Connect your OBD2 scanner to the port.
2. Utilize the scanner to reach the ABS control module.
3. Follow instructions to engage the parking brake, in service mode.
4. Confirm that the parking brake is deactivated before moving

This action prevents the parking brake from adjusting on its own when replacing brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra facilitating a retraction of the piston.

Removing the Wheel and Brake Caliper

With your truck lifted and parking brake disabled, you’re ready to remove the wheel and access the brakes to change brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra:

• Take off the lug nuts. Remove the wheel.
• Find the two 14mm bolts that hold the carrier in place.
• Use a ratchet to loosen and take out these bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the carrier. Make sure to secure it aside.
• Remember to handle the brake line with care.

Now you can reach the brake pads and rotor for replacing brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra. Pause, for a moment to examine the rotor surface for any grooves, cracks or uneven wear.

Retracting the Caliper Piston

Before you can remove the old brake pads to change brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra, you need to retract the caliper piston to make room for the new pads:

1. Make sure to grab your brake piston kit.
2. Place the piston tool on top of the protruding piston.
3. Rotate the tool slowly to push the piston back, into the caliper.
4. Continue turning until the piston is in place.

If you encounter difficulty retracting the piston consider loosening the bleeder screw to release pressure while using the tool during a brake replacement, on a 2020 GMC Sierra. However expect some brake fluid leakage.

Swapping Out the Old Brake Pads

With the piston retracted, you can now remove the old pads and install new ones as you change brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra:

• Remove the brake pads from the carrier.
• Disconnect the wire of the brake pad wear sensor.
• Take off the sensor and clips attached to the pads.
• Attach the sensor. Clips, onto your new pads.
• Insert the pads into the carrier.
• Position the sensor wire correctly.

Reinstalling the Brake Caliper

After replacing the brake pads on a 2020 GMC Sierra make sure to follow these steps for reinstalling the caliper;

• Apply an amount of Loctite, on the bolts.
• Gently slide the caliper over the pads.
• Begin threading the carrier bolts
• Use a ratchet to tighten the bolts to around 25 ft lbs.
• Securely clip the sensor wire into the bracket on the caliper.
• Replace the dust cap on the bleeder screw.

Resetting the Parking Brake and Monitor

The last steps as you change brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra involve resetting the electronic systems:

1. Connect your OBD2 scanner again.
2. Navigate to exit the parking brake service mode.
3. Find the option to reset the brake pad life.
4. Clear any codes and exit the scanner.

Put your wheel back on, lower your truck off the stands, and start it up. You should see the brake pad life display has reset after you change brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra. Pump the brake pedal a few times to make sure it feels firm before driving.

Bedding In Your New Brake Pads

After you change brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra, it’s important to properly break in the new pads:

• Avoid hard stops for the first few times braking.
• Don’t brake heavily for extended periods for 50-100 miles.
• Use light-to-medium braking occasionally to seat the pads.
• Minor squealing and dust is normal during break-in.
• Check your brake fluid level after the first day of driving.

Taking it easy for the first few days after you change brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra helps the new pads mate properly to the rotors for optimal braking performance and pad life.

Final Thought

By using these guidelines and useful suggestions you can feel prepared to replace the brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra on your own. Not will you cut costs by doing this maintenance task yourself but you’ll also feel a sense of accomplishment, in being able to maintain your trucks important components. Just remember to work carefully, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions if needed, and always prioritize safety when you change brakes on a 2020 GMC Sierra or attempt any other auto repairs.