A Guide to Aftermarket Brake Pads for the 2017 GMC Acadia Limited
Get the right stopping power for your full-size Acadia by understanding your aftermarket brake pad options.
- Confirm you own the 2017 'Acadia Limited' (the larger, older body style) before ordering, as parts are different from the standard 2017 Acadia.
- For most owners, quality ceramic pads from brands like Bosch, Wagner, or Akebono offer the best mix of quiet operation, low dust, and reliable stopping power.
- Always plan to replace brake rotors at the same time as the pads for safe, quiet, and effective braking.
- Unlike the redesigned 2017 Acadia, the Acadia Limited does not have an electronic parking brake, making DIY rear brake replacement much simpler.
Is Your 2017 Acadia a 'Limited' Model?
Before buying any parts, it's crucial to know which 2017 Acadia you own. In 2017, GMC sold two different Acadias:
- The Acadia Limited: This is the older, larger, first-generation body style, a continuation of the 2007-2016 model.
- The all-new Acadia: This is a completely redesigned, smaller mid-size SUV.
These two vehicles do not share the same brake parts. This guide is specifically for the 2017 GMC Acadia Limited.
Signs Your Brake Pads Need Replacing
Your Acadia Limited will give you clear warnings when the brake pads are worn out. Ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs, like needing new rotors or calipers.
- Squealing or Screeching: Most brake pads have a small metal tab called a wear indicator. When the pad material gets low, this tab scrapes against the rotor, making a high-pitched noise when you brake.
- Grinding Noises: A grinding sound means the brake pad material is completely gone. Metal is grinding against metal, which damages the brake rotors and severely reduces stopping power. This is a critical safety issue.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If you notice your SUV takes longer to stop than it used to, your brake pads are likely worn and can't create enough friction.
- Brake Pedal Pulsation: While often a sign of warped rotors, pulsating can also be caused by unevenly worn pads. You'll feel the pedal vibrate under your foot during braking.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
Aftermarket brake pads offer quality that is often equal to or better than original equipment (OEM) parts, usually at a better price. The key is to choose the right type and brand for your driving style.
Brake Pad Materials
- Ceramic Pads: These are the most popular choice for daily driving. They are known for being very quiet, producing minimal brake dust (which keeps your wheels cleaner), and offering long life. Brands like Akebono, Bosch, and Wagner specialize in high-quality ceramic pads that meet or exceed OEM standards.
- Semi-Metallic Pads: These pads offer a stronger initial "bite" and can handle higher temperatures, making them a good choice if you frequently tow or live in a hilly area. The trade-off is that they typically create more noise and brake dust than ceramic pads.
For the vast majority of Acadia Limited owners, a quality set of ceramic brake pads from a reputable daily-driver brand is the best choice. They provide a quiet, clean, and reliable performance similar to the factory pads.
Brand Tiers for Your Acadia Limited
With dozens of options available, it helps to group brands by quality and intended use.
- Economy Brands (e.g., Dynamic Friction, Total Stopping Solutions): These are the most budget-friendly options. They meet basic safety standards but may not last as long or be as quiet as more expensive pads.
- Daily Driver / OEM-Quality Brands (e.g., Akebono, Bosch, Centric, Raybestos, Wagner): These brands are often the original suppliers to automakers. They offer an excellent balance of performance, low noise, and durability, making them a reliable choice for most drivers.
- Performance / Heavy-Duty Brands (e.g., Powerstop, Brembo, Bendix): If you tow with your Acadia or simply want more aggressive stopping power, these brands are ideal. Powerstop's Z23 series, for example, uses a carbon-fiber ceramic formula for increased performance.
Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
The 2017 GMC Acadia platform has a few documented brake-related issues. While a recall for the redesigned 2017 Acadia's front calipers existed, it did not apply to the Acadia Limited model. However, some Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) may be relevant:
- TSB #17-NA-217: Addresses a squeal noise from the front brakes. The fix involves applying a special paste to the brake pad shims to dampen vibration.
- TSB #19NA115: Provides a fix for a rear brake squeal noise.
These TSBs indicate that some brake noise can be inherent to the design, but it is correctable with proper installation techniques and materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to replace the brake pads on my Acadia Limited?
Brake pad life varies greatly with driving habits, but they typically last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. If you do a lot of city driving with frequent stops, expect to be on the lower end of that range.
Should I replace my brake rotors at the same time as the pads?
It is highly recommended. New pads need a smooth, flat surface to bed-in correctly. Installing new pads on old, grooved rotors can cause noise, vibration, and reduced performance. Most shops will insist on replacing pads and rotors together.
What is the difference between front and rear brake pads?
Front and rear brake pads are different shapes and sizes and are not interchangeable. The front brakes 🎬 See a step-by-step guide for replacing rear brake pads and rotors. on your Acadia Limited do most of the stopping work, so the front pads are larger and tend to wear out faster than the rears.
Does my 2017 Acadia Limited have an electronic parking brake?
The first-generation Acadia platform, which includes the 2017 Limited, uses a conventional mechanical parking brake system. The redesigned 2017 Acadia introduced an electronic parking brake (EPB), which requires a scan tool to retract the rear caliper piston for service. 🎬 Watch how to service the electronic parking brake on newer models. This makes brake jobs on the Acadia Limited simpler for DIYers.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: P-1169 (Front) P-883 (Rear)
The 2017 GMC Acadia Limited uses a four-wheel disc brake system with single-piston sliding calipers. It features a conventional mechanical parking brake. Aftermarket pad materials are primarily ceramic or semi-metallic.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- GMC Acadia Limited: