2012–2020 Chevrolet Sonic
By Tom Becker ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 23, 2026
Save $245 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $450
Quick answer: Brake Pad Replacement on a 2012–2020 Chevrolet Sonic is rated Advanced and takes about 1-3 hours. You'll need 3 tools for this job, and parts cost about $205. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name | Part Number | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front or rear brake pad set for 2012-2020 Chevrolet Sonic; verify axle, brake package, and VIN fitment | — | $180.00 | |
| Replacement pad hardware or wear sensor only if the kit requires it | — | $25.00 | |
| Caliper bracket bolts (one-time-use) | — | — |
|
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Follow these steps carefully
Order pads for your exact trim — match them to the old ones — plus springs, pin seals, cleaner, grease. Siphon a full reservoir below MAX. Keep the backup wrench off the caliper body tightening pin bolts (GM: contact causes pulsation).
Level ground, rears chocked, parking brake set. Break the front lugs loose on the ground, jack at the factory points, and settle onto rated stands — never under a jack alone. Remove the wheel.
Then, using a backup wrench to hold each guide pin stationary, remove the lower guide-pin bolt by hand tools ONLY — never air tools on these bolts — and swing the caliper up.
Hand tools only on those pin bolts isn't a suggestion — I've seen air tools strip the pin flats clean off. Then you're buying a caliper bracket over a pad swap.
Fit the new pad springs into the bracket first. NOTE: the UPPER guide pin has a bushing and must go back in the upper position — don't swap them.
Guide-pin bolts: 28 N·m (21 lb-ft) with a backup wrench on the pin flats. Caliper bracket bolts are ONE-TIME-USE: install new bolts at 100 N·m (74 lb-ft). Do not reuse the old bracket bolts. Reinstall the wheel.
I trust my torque wrench here: One-time-use means it — those bracket bolts stretch when torqued. Reuse them and they can back out. New bolts are cheap insurance.
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
2012–2020
2012–2020
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2012–2020
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