Here's a general procedure. Specifics might vary slightly depending on the year and model of your Rendezvous. Always consult your owner's manual or a repair manual specific to your vehicle year and model for the most accurate instructions.
Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands: To safely lift the vehicle.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheel.
* Wheel chocks: Essential for safety.
* Socket wrench and sockets: Various sizes, likely including one for the lug nuts and potentially one for the caliper mounting bolts.
* C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool: To compress the brake caliper piston.
* Hammer (optional): Sometimes a gentle tap is needed to loosen stubborn parts.
* Penetrating lubricant (like PB Blaster): To help loosen rusted bolts.
* Wrench (possibly): To hold the caliper bracket in place while removing bolts.
Procedure:
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels. Jack up the vehicle and securely support it with jack stands. Remove the wheel.
2. Compress the Caliper Piston: Use the C-clamp or compression tool to push the caliper piston back into the caliper. This creates the space needed to remove the rotor. Important: If you're working on a vehicle with ABS, be aware of the potential for damage to the ABS sensor. Be gentle and try to avoid scratching or damaging the piston.
3. Remove the Caliper: Depending on your model, you might need to remove the caliper completely or just loosen the bolts holding it to the bracket and carefully hang it out of the way using some wire or a bungee cord. Do *not* let the caliper hang by the brake line.
4. Remove the Rotor: The rotor should now be free. There might be a few different scenarios:
* Rotor slides off easily: Simply pull the rotor off the hub.
* Rotor is stuck: A few light taps from a rubber mallet around the rotor's edge might be necessary to break it free. Avoid hitting the hub directly. If it's severely rusted, you might need to use a rotor puller tool (available at most auto parts stores).
5. Clean the Hub: Before installing the new rotor, thoroughly clean the wheel hub mating surface. Remove any rust, debris, or old brake dust.
6. Install the New Rotor (Reverse Procedure): Install the new rotor, making sure it seats properly on the hub. Reattach the caliper, making sure the brake pads are properly contacting the rotor. Lower the vehicle, and reinstall the wheel. After reinstalling everything, bleed the brakes.
Important Considerations:
* Rust: If you're dealing with significant rust, penetrating lubricant applied well in advance of working on the brakes is highly recommended.
* Caliper Bolts: These bolts can be very tight and might require a significant amount of torque to loosen. Use a breaker bar if needed.
* ABS Sensor: Be very careful not to damage the ABS sensor wire or the sensor itself.
* Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is corrosive. If any spills, clean it up immediately.
* Torque Specifications: Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts and caliper bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque. This information should be found in your vehicle's service manual.
If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's always best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed brakes can be extremely dangerous.
