How do I Install Brake Rotors for a Chevy 3500?

The brake rotors on the Chevy 3500 series trucks, like the Silverado 3500HD, create great stopping power. The brake calipers hold the brake pads, and when you step on the brake pedal, the pads grab onto the rotors and stop the Chevy. The large rotors located behind the wheels last upwards of 50,000 miles before you need to replace them, depending on driving conditions and your personal driving style. Chevy rotors are straightforward and relatively easy to replace. Complete this process with each of the four brake rotors on the Chevy 3500 series truck.

Instructions

Open the hood and remove the cap from the master cylinder. The master cylinder is located on the fire wall on the driver's side of the vehicle. It is a white plastic container with a black cap.

Loosen the lug nuts on each tire using the lug nut wrench supplied with the Chevy. Do not remove them, just loosen.

Place a jack under the front frame of the vehicle using the jack supplied with the Chevy. Jack the vehicle up and place it on jack stands. Repeat this process with the rear of the vehicle.

Remove the lug nuts from the Chevy with the lug nut wrench and pull the wheels off the vehicle.

Remove the two bolts threaded into the backside of the brake caliper using a socket and ratchet. The bolts secure the caliper to the caliper-mounting bracket.

Lift the brake caliper off the rotor and suspend it from the coil or shock with a wire tie. Do not let the caliper hang off the rubber brake line. It could tear the rubber.

Locate the retaining clip on one of the wheel studs that protrudes from the brake rotor. Pry the retaining clip off the rotor using a small flat head screwdriver.

Pull the rotor off the wheel studs. If the rotor is stuck on the studs, tap the backside of the rotor with a rubber mallet until it breaks free from the studs.

Slide the new rotor onto the wheel studs and secure it by pressing the retaining clip back onto one of the wheel studs.

Place a pair of vice grips over the brake pad that rests against the brake piston. Squeeze the brake pad into the piston to force the piston back into the caliper.

Remove both brake pads from the brake pad holder and replace them with new brake pads.

Place the caliper back onto the rotor and line up the mounting holes in the caliper with the mounting holes on the brake caliper mounting bracket.

Thread the bolts back into the brake caliper and tighten them with the socket.

Turn the vehicle on and press on the brakes after you replace the other three rotors.

Close the cap on the master cylinder.

Place the wheels back onto the Chevy, thread the lug nuts onto the wheel studs and tighten the lug nuts with the lug nut wrench.