Safety First:
* Jack up the truck securely: Use jack stands rated for the weight of your truck. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Chock the wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the truck from rolling.
* Wear safety glasses and gloves: Protect yourself from flying debris and sharp edges.
Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands
* Wheel chocks
* Lug wrench
* Socket wrench set (metric)
* Torque wrench
* Hammer
* Pry bar (optional, but helpful)
* C-clamp (optional, for compressing caliper piston)
* Brake caliper piston compression tool (recommended)
* Wire or zip ties (to hold caliper out of the way)
* New front brake rotors
* New brake pads (recommended to replace at the same time)
* Brake cleaner
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster)
Procedure:
1. Secure the Vehicle: Jack up the front of the truck and securely support it with jack stands. Chock the rear wheels.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts using your lug wrench. Then, carefully remove the wheel.
3. Remove the Caliper:
* Option 1 (Easier): If your caliper has a retaining pin, remove it. Then, carefully slide the caliper off the rotor. If the caliper is really stubborn, you might need to gently tap it with a hammer.
* Option 2: Some calipers may have bolts securing them to the caliper bracket. Locate these bolts and remove them. Then remove the caliper.
4. Compress the Caliper Piston: Before removing the rotor, you must compress the caliper piston. This allows for the new rotor to fit. Using a C-clamp or a dedicated caliper piston compression tool is recommended. Slowly and evenly compress the piston; avoid damaging the piston seal.
5. Remove the Rotor:
* Inspect the rotor carefully for any unusual wear, damage, or scoring. Note this. If it’s excessively worn or damaged, it's good to replace it even if it wasn't your intention. Sometimes you may need to gently tap the rotor's hat (the center part) with a hammer to break it free from the hub. A small pry bar can help, but be cautious not to damage the hub.
6. Clean the Hub: Clean the wheel hub thoroughly with a wire brush and brake cleaner to remove any rust, dirt, or debris.
7. Install the New Rotor: Slide the new rotor onto the wheel studs. Make sure it fits smoothly.
8. Reinstall the Caliper: Carefully slide the caliper back over the new rotor and into place. If applicable, replace the retaining pin or bolts.
9. Bleed the Brakes (Important): After reinstalling the calipers, you'll likely need to bleed the brakes to remove any air that may have entered the brake lines during the process. This is crucial for proper brake function. Refer to your vehicle's repair manual for the correct bleeding procedure.
10. Reinstall the Wheel: Carefully install the wheel, and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Do not overtighten!
11. Repeat for the Other Side: Repeat steps 2-10 for the other front wheel.
12. Test the Brakes: Before driving, carefully test your brakes to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Important Considerations:
* Brake Pad Replacement: It's highly recommended to replace your brake pads at the same time as the rotors. Worn pads can contribute to uneven rotor wear.
* Wheel Hub Bearings: While you're in there, inspect your wheel bearings for play or noise. If they're worn or damaged, they should be replaced.
* Torque Specifications: Always refer to your vehicle's repair manual for the correct torque specifications for the lug nuts, caliper bolts, and any other fasteners you remove or install. Incorrect torque can lead to damage or failure.
This is a general guideline. If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your truck to a qualified mechanic. Improper brake repair can be dangerous.
