A Guide to Replacing Brake Pads on the 2019-2024 Buick Enclave
Eliminate brake noise and improve your SUV's stopping power by choosing the right aftermarket brake pads.
- For the 2019-2024 Enclave, replacing rear pads requires putting the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) into 'Service Mode'.
- Ceramic brake pads are a popular aftermarket upgrade to reduce brake dust on the wheels.
- Look for TSBs 19-NA-115 (rear squeal) and 22-NA-095 (front squeal) if you have specific brake noise issues.
- Always inspect brake rotors when changing pads and plan to replace or resurface them for best performance.
Is it Time for New Brake Pads?
Your Enclave will give you clear signs when the brake pads are getting low. Ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs, like needing to replace the brake rotors. Be aware of these common symptoms.
Known Vehicle-Specific Issues
General Motors has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for brake noise on vehicles like the Enclave. TSB 19-NA-115 addresses a squeal from the rear brakes when backing up with cold brakes. Another bulletin, TSB 22-NA-095, deals with front brake squeal during light braking 🎬 Watch this walkthrough on how to change your front brakes. at low speeds. The fix often involves applying special grease or installing updated pads. If you experience these specific noises, mention the TSBs to your mechanic.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
The original ACDelco pads on your Enclave are a good benchmark, but aftermarket brands often provide better performance, less dust, or a lower price. Brake pads are typically made from ceramic or semi-metallic compounds. For a heavy vehicle like the Enclave, ceramic pads are a popular upgrade to reduce the amount of brake dust on your wheels.
Premium & OEM-Equivalent Brands
These brands focus on quiet operation and smooth stopping, similar to or better than the original factory pads. They are ideal for daily driving.
- ACDelco (Gold line): As GM's parts division, this is the closest you can get to the original part, offering reliable performance.
- Bosch QuietCast: A highly regarded option known for being very quiet and producing low dust.
- Akebono: Often an original equipment manufacturer for many car brands, Akebono pads are known for their quality and low-dust ceramic formulations.
- Brembo: While famous for high-performance brakes, their standard replacement pads offer excellent quality and stopping power for daily use.
Performance & Heavy-Duty Brands
If you frequently tow with your Enclave or simply want more initial bite and fade resistance, these brands are excellent choices. They may produce slightly more dust or noise than premium options.
- PowerStop: Very popular for their truck & SUV kits. The Z17 Evolution ceramic pads are a great low-dust stock replacement, while their Z23 and Z36 kits offer progressively more stopping power.
- EBC Brakes: Offers different compounds from daily driver (Ultimax) to high-performance (Yellowstuff), letting you choose your performance level.
- Hawk Performance: Known for aggressive brake compounds that provide high levels of friction for confident stopping.
Daily Driver & Value Brands
These brands provide safe, reliable braking that meets or exceeds federal standards without the premium price tag. They are a smart choice for budget-conscious owners.
- Raybestos: A long-standing, trusted name in the brake industry offering dependable pads.
- Wagner Brakes: Known for their innovative brake technologies and solid, reliable performance.
- Centric Parts: Offers a wide range of pads, including OEM-style replacements that provide a good balance of performance and value.
- Bendix: Provides quality ceramic and semi-metallic options that are proven and reliable.
How Much Does Brake Pad Replacement Cost?
The cost depends on whether you do the job yourself or take it to a shop, and the brand of pads you choose. Prices are typically quoted per axle (either front or rear).
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket Brake Pad Set (per axle) | $29 - $130 |
| OEM Brake Pad Set (per axle) | $100 - $260 |
| Shop Labor (per axle) | $80 - $210 |
| Total Professional Replacement (per axle) | $150 - $474 |
Pro Tip: Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Service Mode
The 2019-2024 Enclave has an Electronic Parking Brake. To replace the rear pads, the EPB must be put into a special 'Service Mode'. This retracts the electronic mechanism in the caliper. While many shops use a scan tool, some sources show a manual procedure is possible. 🎬 See how to set the parking brake service mode manually. Failure to do this will prevent you from compressing the caliper piston and can damage the brake caliper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace my rotors with my pads?
Not always, but it's highly recommended. If your old pads were worn down to the metal, they have likely damaged the rotors. Even if not, new pads perform best on a fresh, flat rotor surface. Installing new pads on worn rotors can cause noise, vibration, and reduced pad life.
🎬 Watch a step-by-step guide to replacing rear pads and rotors.What's the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic pads?
Ceramic pads are known for being quiet and producing a fine, light-colored dust that is less noticeable on wheels. Semi-metallic pads are excellent at dissipating heat and often provide more initial 'bite', but they can be noisier and produce more dark-colored dust. For most Enclave owners, ceramic pads offer the best balance for daily driving.
How often should I replace my Enclave's brake pads?
Brake pad life varies greatly with driving habits, typically lasting between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. If you do a lot of city driving with frequent stops, you'll be on the lower end of that range. Highway driving is much easier on brakes. Regular inspections during tire rotations are the best way to know when they're due.
What is brake pad 'break-in' or 'bedding'?
Break-in is a process that deposits an even layer of friction material from the new pads onto the rotors. This ensures smooth, quiet, and powerful braking. Most manufacturers provide a specific procedure, which usually involves a series of controlled stops from moderate speeds. Following the break-in procedure is critical for best performance.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
The 2019-2024 Buick Enclave uses disc brakes on all four wheels. The rear brakes feature an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) that requires being put into service mode for pad replacement. Torque specs for reassembly are critical: wheel lug nuts are 140 ft-lbs, rear caliper bracket bolts are 77 ft-lbs, and rear slide pin bolts are 30 ft-lbs.
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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.
- Buick Enclave:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is it Time for New Brake Pads?
- Known Vehicle-Specific Issues
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
- Premium & OEM-Equivalent Brands
- Performance & Heavy-Duty Brands
- Daily Driver & Value Brands
- How Much Does Brake Pad Replacement Cost?
- Pro Tip: Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Service Mode
- Frequently Asked Questions
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