UPGRADED BRAKE SYSTEMS  

If your brakes are squeaking, squealing or grinding it likely is a sign of poor quality, improper fit or worn pads. Generally, any of these sounds are an indication to change your brake pads or rotors, or another component of the braking system. If you need to have your brake system diagnosed because of these sounds, you can find service near you to have an authorized service shop assess your vehicle.

If you are looking for quiet braking for your vehicle, GM Genuine Parts OE are designed and tested by GM for noise control. ACDelco Gold and Silver Brake Pads passed the J2521 NVH noise matrix test, which is significantly more rigorous than the previous J2784 general standard.

For most brake pad installations, these are the general steps to take: 
 
1. Pop the hood and check the brake fluid
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly
3. Prepare to remove brake caliper and brake pads 
4. Remove brake caliper and brake pads
5. Apply brake lubricant
6. Install the disc brake pad retaining spring
7. Install the new brake pads
8. Pump the brakes
9. Refill the brake fluid

For a detailed step-by-step and video instruction on changing brake pads, refer to Brake Pads and Shoes for a video tutorial and written steps. 

If you are inspecting your brake pads, you can inspect through the wheel spokes for the brake pad thickness (minimum 3 mm or 1/8 inch thick) or other wear indicators such as metal wear indicator tabs or grooves made in the pads. If you remove the wheels, you’ll be able to view the pads for thickness, uneven wear, glazing or other damage. 

You can also find service near you to have an authorized service shop assess your vehicle with a Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection to fully assess your brake system.

Brake pads can last 30,000 to 70,000 miles; however multiple factors determine the lifespan of your brake pads. Your driving style and the conditions of the roads you drive on can significantly impact brake pad life. Additionally, the quality of the brake pads used on your vehicle also helps determine the lifespan of your brake pads, typically OE brake pads will outlast aftermarket brake pads. 

Brake pads typically need to be replaced when they reach a minimum thickness of 3-4 mm (0.12-0.16 inches). Other signs indicating it’s time to change your brake pads include:

• Squealing, grinding or other noises coming from braking 
• Vibrations in the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking 
• The brake warning indicator light will illuminate if pads are worn 
  

For a more accurate answer specific to your vehicle, refer to your Owner’s Manual maintenance schedules.

Original Equipment (OE) brake pads set the standard for performance for your vehicle and are the brake pads installed during production of your vehicle. 

• OE brake pads offer the best noise control and longevity  
• Premium brake pads at a premium cost 
• Designed to integrate with GM safety systems, including ABS and traction control 
• Backed by a 24-month/unlimited-mile limited warranty

Aftermarket brake pads are designed to help meet standard performance of the OE brake pads they are based on but can vary in quality and features. 

• ACDelco parts are the only aftermarket parts backed by GM 
• High-quality, cost-conscious alternative to OE 
• Compatible with most vehicle safety systems, but not optimized as part of the complete GM system 
• Backed by a 12-month or 24-month/unlimited-mile limited warranty

For more information on GM Genuine Parts OE Brake Pads and ACDelco Aftermarket Brake Pads, refer to the breakdown at the top of the page

The best sound is no sound, and ACDelco Brake Pads have proven validation:

• Tested to SAE J2521 — the globally recognized brakesqueal standard 
• Evaluates high-frequency squeal on vehicles under 4,540 kg GVWR 
• Standard summary thresholds: >70 dB and >80 dB 
• ACDelco extends analysis to >90 dB and >100 dB 
• Inertia dynamometer simulates real braking under controlled loads & speeds 

For more information on GM Genuine Parts OE Brake Pads and ACDelco Aftermarket Brake Pads, refer to the breakdown at the top of the page. 

Brake pad price ranges based on your vehicle’s needs, the retailer, whether the pads are designed for front or rear use, and the quality of brake pads.
Upgraded ACDelco Gold and Silver Brake Pads are now available at a more competitive price. 

• GM Genuine Parts OE Brake Pads can range from $100 to $300 (per axle set)
• Aftermarket ACDelco Gold Brake Pads can range from $50 to $150 (per axle set) 
• Aftermarket ACDelco Silver Brake Pads can range from $25 to $100 (per axle set)

Please note these prices are an estimated range not including service costs. For pricing on brake pads designed for your vehicle, visit the GM Parts Store.

However multiple Multiple factors determine the lifespan of your brake rotors. Your driving style and the conditions of the roads you drive on can significantly impact brake rotor life. The quality of the brake rotors used on your vehicle also helps determine the lifespan of your brake pads, typically OE brake rotors will outlast aftermarket brake rotors. 

Additionally, GM Genuine Parts OE Brake Rotors are Ferritic Nitro-Carurized (FNC), offering extra protection against corrosive threats from water, salt and even acid rain to help extend brake rotor life. ACDelco Gold Brake Rotors offer a water-based, chromium-free, GEOMET coating to help protect brake rotor lifespan and use the ASTM B117 salt spray testing standard — no red rust was observed after 120 hours. 

 
For a more accurate answer specific to your vehicle, refer to your Owner’s Manual for maintenance schedules.

Often referred to as a “full brake job,” replacing brake pads and rotors can range in cost of $250 to $1,000 per axle. The cost largely depends on: 

• Cost of labor at the chosen shop or dealership
• The make/model of the vehicle
• The quality of parts chosen for the service

For pricing for your vehicle, find service near you and reach out to an authorized service shop to find more specific pricing for your vehicle. 

While it is generally recommended to replace both together, you do not have to.

It is recommended to change both together: 

• Rotors should be replaced if they show signs of warping, grooves or show signs of excessive wear
• Replacing your rotors may  help extend the life of your new brake pads and prevent premature wear and safety issues
• Uneven wear in brake rotors may lead to improper braking performance
  

Reach out and find service near you to consult with the experts on your vehicle’s needs. There may even be bundled offers or deals on GM Genuine Parts and ACDelco Brake Pads and Brake Rotors at your local authorized service shop.

Calipers are clamp-like devices that contain the brake pads and use hydraulic pressure to squeeze those pads against the rotors, creating the friction needed to reduce speed and stop the vehicle.
 

For more information on GM Genuine Parts OE Calipers and how ACDelco Aftermarket Gold and Silver Calipers have improved, refer to the breakdown at the top of the page.  

You generally replace brake calipers when they’re failing rather than on a fixed mileage. These are some signs it’s time:

• Car pulls to one side when braking — can indicate one caliper is applying more or less force than the other 
• Soft or “spongy” brake pedal that doesn’t feel firm even after bleeding brakes — can be a sign of internal caliper or seal issues (among other things) 
• The car feels like the brakes are “dragging” or slightly on all the time, you notice a drop in fuel economy or it’s hard to coast — a stuck caliper piston can keep the pads rubbing the rotor 
• Vibration or shaking in the steering wheel when braking, especially if pads or rotors are already worn — can result from a sticking caliper causing uneven rotor wear 
• Uneven or very rapid pad wear on one wheel compared with the others — suggests that caliper isn’t releasing or applying correctly 
• Seized or heavily corroded caliper hardware, torn piston boots or pistons that won’t move smoothly during a brake service — often leads to overhaul or replacement rather than reusing the caliper 
• The brake warning light or a “service brake” message comes on  

If you’re wondering if the time has come to replace your calipers, reach out and find service near you to consult with the experts on your vehicle’s needs.