I have always found changing the GMC Jimmy’s brake pads to be a relatively painless task. They are equipped with four-wheel disk brakes. Since I frequently tow my boat to my local reservoir with it, I try to keep the brakes in tip-top condition.

The boat weighs about 1,500 lbs, and there is a steep downhill leading to the boat dock. I let the brake pads go beyond their maintenance interval once, and did I ever learn a lesson! When I smelled that dusty, smoky smell and heard the squeal of metal on metal, I realized I might be in trouble.

Fortunately, the parking lot was level and I was able to regain control without any serious difficulty. Believe me, I changed the brake pads on my GMC Jimmy the very next day. Changing the GMC Jimmy’s brake pads is a task that should not take any longer than about 10 minutes per wheel. With the truck securely on jack stands, turn the steering wheel (if you are changing the front) to expose the caliper mounting bolts after removing the wheel. They are Allen head bolts located on the inside-rear of the caliper. Lift the caliper off of the rotor and suspend it with a wire hanger or some other stiff wire. The important thing is not to put the weight of the caliper on the brake line. Slide the old brake pads out and compress the piston with a clamp to allow for the additional thickness of the new pads. Replace the pads and any ABS or pad-thickness sensors.Slide the caliper back on, replace the mounting bolts, torque them, and you have replaced the GMC Jimmy brake pads.