Change Yukon Brake Pads

The brake pads on the GMC Yukon are key components to the overall braking system. The brake pads also require the most frequent replacement. The material on the brake pads surfaces are relatively soft to provide the necessary grip on the Yukon's brake rotors during braking. The soft material wears due to the stress and heat caused by slowing the vehicle, which weighs more than two tons. You can have the brake pads replaced by a professional brake mechanic, or you can do the job yourself and save the cost of labor.
Procedure:
1. Park the Yukon on a flat surface. Turn off the engine. Pull the hood release lever under the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle. Move to the front of the vehicle and lift the hood. Remove the cap from the master cylinder. The master cylinder is the white reservoir with the dark gray cap to the right of the Yukon's engine. Remove half of the brake fluid from the container with a turkey baster. Place the cap onto the container but do not secure it tightly--the fluid level will need to rise during future steps.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels corresponding to the brake pads you are replacing with a lug wrench, or a 21-mm socket and breaker bar. Place the jack under the frame at the front of the SUV and lift the tires off the ground. Lower the front of the Yukon onto at least two jack stands for safety. Remove the lug nuts and take the wheels/tires off.
3. Locate the two caliper slide pins on the back side of each wheel's brake caliper. Remove the pins with an adjustable wrench or pliers. Lift the calipers from their respective caliper brackets and rest them on top of the steering arm above the wheel hub.
4. Pry the old brake pads from the slots of the caliper brackets with a flat-head screwdriver. The brackets hold the brake pads in place adjacent to the rotor. Clean the bracket slots with a wire brush and brake parts cleaner.
5. Place new brake pads into the caliper bracket slots. Squeeze the caliper pistons into the side of the caliper with a C-clamp or channel-lock pliers to make room for the bulkier new brake pads. Place the caliper over the brake pads inside the caliper bracket slots and screw in the caliper slide pins.
6. Replace the wheels/tires onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts. Lift the Yukon with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the tires to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench or socket and breaker bar. Move to the engine compartment.
7. Remove the master cylinder cap and check the level of brake fluid. Place a funnel into the container and add fluid as necessary. Remove the funnel and replace the master cylinder cap. Close the Yukon's hood.