Tools You'll Need:
* Wheel Chocks: Essential for safety.
* Jack and Jack Stands: Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Lug Wrench: To remove the wheel.
* Socket Set: Various sizes, likely including metric sizes.
* Wrench Set: Open-end and/or combination wrenches.
* C-clamp or Rotor Compression Tool: To compress the caliper piston.
* Brake Caliper Piston Wind-Back Tool: Highly recommended to avoid damaging the caliper seals. A C-clamp can be *carefully* used as a substitute, but the specialized tool is safer.
* Hammer (Rubber Mallet Preferred): For gently tapping parts.
* Penetrating Oil (PB Blaster, etc.): To loosen rusted bolts.
* Torque Wrench: To tighten bolts to the correct specification.
* Clean rags or shop towels: To clean up brake dust and fluid.
* Safety Glasses and Gloves: Always wear appropriate safety gear.
Removal Procedure:
1. Safety First: Engage the parking brake firmly. Chock the rear wheels. Jack up the front of the truck and securely support it on jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and carefully remove the wheel.
3. Remove the Caliper:
* Use a socket to remove the caliper mounting bolts. These are usually on top of the caliper.
* Carefully hang the caliper out of the way using a bungee cord or wire to avoid straining or damaging the brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake line.
4. Compress the Caliper Piston: This is crucial. Use the C-clamp or piston wind-back tool to slowly compress the caliper piston. You may need to bleed the brakes afterward if you push fluid all the way through the system.
5. Remove the Rotor: The rotor may be held on by a single retaining bolt, or it might just slip over the wheel studs. Some rotors have a small set screw. Carefully examine your truck to see what type of retention it uses. Tap it off the wheel studs with a rubber mallet if necessary.
Installation Procedure:
1. Clean the Hub: Thoroughly clean the wheel hub where the rotor mounts. Brake dust and debris can cause problems.
2. Install the Rotor: Slide the new rotor onto the wheel studs, ensuring it sits correctly. If there is a retaining bolt, install it and tighten according to your vehicle's specifications.
3. Reinstall the Caliper: Make sure the caliper slides smoothly. If it's sticking, clean the caliper slides and lubricate with caliper grease (not regular grease). Reinstall the caliper bolts and tighten to specification.
4. Bleed the Brakes (If Necessary): If you completely compressed the caliper piston and pushed fluid through the line, you'll likely need to bleed the brakes to remove air bubbles. This is done by opening a bleeder valve on the caliper while an assistant pumps the brake pedal. Look up the proper bleeding procedure for your truck.
5. Reinstall the Wheel: Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the proper torque.
6. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
7. Test Drive: Test the brakes carefully before driving normally.
Important Considerations:
* Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is corrosive. Clean up any spills immediately.
* Torque Specifications: Use a torque wrench and consult your repair manual for the correct torque values for all fasteners. Over-tightening can cause damage.
* Brake Pad Wear: Inspect your brake pads while you're in there. If they are worn, they should be replaced at the same time.
If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improper brake repair can be dangerous.
