If your Chevy Silverado is pulsing and shuddering when you hit the brakes, then it's probably time to replace the rotors. Rotors only need to be replaced if they get warped or worn down from bad brake pads or heavy braking. Changing your own rotors on your Chevy Silverado is an excellent alternative to handing over your keys to your local mechanic.
Instructions
- 1
Get a new set of rotors for your Silverado. Order online or visit your local auto parts store to get a set for the front and rear rotor pairs.
2Bleed about two thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder before you begin. This prevents too much pressure from building up in the brake line.
3Raise your truck. Using the factory advised contact points for your Silverado, jack up the vehicle and use jack stands that have the weight capacity to hold your truck. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
4Undo the caliper mounting bolts on the back of the spindle. Suspend it using heavy mechanic's wire attached to the upper control arm (or frame), being careful not to disconnect the brake line.
5Take off the old rotor and replace it with the new one after cleaning the area around the hub with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or corrosion on the contact points.
6Replace the caliper and brake hose and then tighten and torque the two caliper mounting bolts. Put the wheel assembly and tire back on and then repeat this process for each additional rotor.
7Refill the master cylinder with new brake fluid. Once finished, lower the truck and pump the brakes to reset the new rotors and to get any air bubbles out of the brake line. Road test your Chevy Silverado to make sure that the installation was successful.
