Here's a breakdown:
Factors that make it *more* difficult:
* Rust: If your car is older and hasn't had its brakes serviced regularly, rust can significantly complicate things. Stuck caliper bolts, seized parking brake shoes (if applicable), and corroded rotor-to-hub contact can all add significant time and effort.
* Caliper removal: Getting the caliper out of the way often requires removing caliper bolts and potentially bleeding the brake system afterward.
* Parking brake: Rear drum-in-rotor setups (less common on 2005 Impalas but possible) significantly increase complexity. Disk brakes usually involve disengaging the parking brake mechanism.
* Lack of tools: You'll need a socket set (metric), wrenches, a torque wrench (crucial for safe braking), possibly a brake caliper compressor tool, and potentially a wire brush or penetrating oil.
Factors that make it *easier*:
* Access: Rear brakes on many vehicles, including some Impalas, are relatively accessible.
* Standard tools: The job doesn't require specialized or expensive tools if you have a basic mechanic's set.
* Plenty of online resources: Numerous videos and guides detail the procedure for a 2005 Impala specifically. Watching a video beforehand can significantly improve your confidence and efficiency.
In short: It's doable for a reasonably competent DIYer with the right tools and a bit of patience. However, if you're uncomfortable working on brakes (a safety-critical system), it's best to have a professional mechanic perform the replacement. A small mistake can have serious consequences.
