How to Replace Chevrolet Truck Rotors

There are several decisions to make when replacing a Chevrolet truck rotor. One important rule is to install new brake pads and a new rear grease seal with new rotors. Installing new bearings is not a must; however, take care to keep the old bearing and race together as a set. The choice of brake pads will determine the life of the new rotor. Ceramic pads are expensive, but provide the best for overall performance. Organic pads are inexpensive, quiet, and extend rotor life, but require frequent replacement. Metallic pads are the most abrasive on a rotor.

Instructions

Place the vehicle in gear on a solid level surface, apply the emergency brake and block the rear wheels behind the tires.

Loosen, but don't remove, all the lug nuts on the front wheels.

Unsnap the master cylinder cap and put a shop rag around it to catch any spilled brake fluid that may occur.

Insert a floor jack under the center of the front cross-member and raise the tires off the ground a few inches.

Spot two jack stands under the frame, one on each side near the wheels.

Remove all the lug nuts and remove the front tires.

Grip the spindle dust cap with a pair of lockjaw pliers, then turn and pry the dust cap off the front hub. If that doesn't work place a screwdriver between the cap and the hub and tap it off with a hammer.

Saddle a clamp over the brake caliper and tighten the clamp to push the caliper piston flush into the caliper.

Unbolt and remove the two bolts that attach the caliper to the spindle and lift the caliper off the rotor. Some bolts are Allen-type socket heads.

Pull the cotter pin out of the spindle nut using a pair of wire cutters and remove the spindle nut with the lockjaw pliers.

Hit the rotor face with the butt of a hammer handle to unseat the front wheel bearing. Catch the bearing as it falls and remove the rotor.

Strip the bearings and races from the old rotor to use in the replacement ones.

Press the front and rear bearing races (which were removed from the old rotors) into the replacement rotors if needed; some new rotors come with bearing races installed. Insert the greased front and rear bearings into their respective place and tap in a new rear spindle seal.

Install the replacement rotor onto the spindle and replace the spindle nut and cotter pin. Take care not to damage the rear seal when installing the rotor.

Replace the spindle dust cap, then place the new brake pads into the caliper and bolt the caliper onto the spindle.

Replace the front tires and remove the jacks to lower the vehicle to the ground.

Go inside the truck and press the brake pedal to the floor and let it up slowly.

Top the master cylinder off with fluid if needed and replace the cap.