Changing a brake rotor is a simple vehicle maintenance job. It takes just a little more work than that of changing a tire. This task can pay big dividends; a new, smooth rotor will eliminating excessive wear on the brake pads and provide smoother, safer braking. A do-it-yourself mechanic can feel confident in undertaking this project by following the steps below.
Instructions
- 1
Find level ground on which to work. Place a chock behind each of the tires that are on the opposite end of the vehicle on which you will be working.
2Set the emergency brake, jack the vehicle up, and secure it by placing two jack stands under the axle. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel, take the wheel and tire off and set aside.
3
Open the hood, locate the brake master cylinder and remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir.
4Locate the brake caliper (see top photo). Most Chevy calipers are held in place by 2 bolts with Allen heads. The head of the bolt will be facing inside, towards the vehicle's axle. Use an Allen wrench and take these bolts off. Remove the caliper by sliding it from off the rotor and secure it out of the way.
5Grab the rotor by the outside edges and pull it toward you as shown in the picture above. It will slide off of the hub.
6Slide the new rotor into place, making sure it is on flush against the hub. Reattach the brake caliper by sliding it back into place on the rotor, lining up the sets of holes for the bolts, and securely fastening the Allen bolts.
7Mount the tire and wheel back onto the hub and rotor and fasten the lug nuts to the torque specified by the manufacturer. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle.
8Remove the chocks from behind the tires, put the cap back on the master cylinder, and you are finished.
