This is a general overview and does not replace a proper repair manual. Always prioritize safety: use jack stands, never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
Parts you'll likely need:
* Brake Pads: Front and rear. Ensure you get the correct pads for your vehicle.
* Rotors (Discs): Front (likely). Inspect them carefully; if scored or warped, they need replacement.
* Drums (if rear drums): Rear (if applicable; some models had rear disc brakes). Inspect for wear and scoring.
* Brake Hardware: This includes caliper pins (front), caliper bolts, and potentially other small clips or springs. Replace these as needed; they are inexpensive and crucial for proper function.
* Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4, as specified in your owner's manual.
* Wheel Lug Wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Jack and Jack Stands: Essential for safety.
* Caliper Piston Compression Tool: For front disc brakes (to push the caliper piston back in).
* C-Clamp or similar: Might be needed for rear drum brake adjustments.
* Wrench and Socket Set: A variety of sizes will be needed.
* Torque Wrench: Essential for tightening bolts to the correct specification.
* Wire Brush: To clean brake components.
* Gloves and Safety Glasses: Protect yourself from dirt, grease, and sharp edges.
General Steps (for front disc brakes, rear may differ significantly):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Use jack stands to support the vehicle securely after jacking it up.
2. Remove Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the vehicle. Remove the wheel.
3. Inspect Brake Components: Check the condition of the pads, rotors, caliper, and caliper slides.
4. Remove Brake Caliper: Remove the caliper bolts and carefully remove the caliper. Support the caliper to prevent it from hanging by the brake line.
5. Compress Caliper Piston: Using the compression tool, carefully compress the caliper piston to make room for the new pads. Be careful not to damage the piston or seal.
6. Remove Old Brake Pads: Remove the old brake pads.
7. Install New Brake Pads: Install the new brake pads.
8. Install Caliper: Reinstall the caliper, ensuring the caliper slides smoothly.
9. Install Wheel: Install the wheel and tighten the lug nuts.
10. Repeat for Other Wheel: Repeat steps 2-9 for the other front wheel.
11. Bleed Brakes (If Needed): After installing new brake pads or calipers, bleeding the brakes is crucial to remove air from the brake lines. This typically involves opening bleeder valves on each caliper while someone else pumps the brake pedal. Refer to your repair manual for the correct procedure. This step is very important.
12. Test Brakes: Before driving, carefully test the brakes to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Rear Brakes (Drum Brakes):
The process for rear drum brakes is different and more involved. It typically includes removing the brake drum, removing the shoes, adjusting the self-adjusters, and installing new shoes and possibly springs. This is even more important to consult a repair manual for as you'll need to get the adjustment correct.
Again, this is a simplified overview. Use a repair manual specific to your 1999 GMC Jimmy SLE. Incorrectly installed brakes can lead to serious injury or death. If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
