Here's a general overview of the steps. Remember, this is NOT a substitute for a proper repair manual:
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental electrical shorts. Wear safety glasses.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a wheel chock, jack, jack stands, lug wrench, socket set (including metric sizes), C-clamp, brake cleaner, wheel cylinder compressor tool (highly recommended), new wheel cylinders (or rebuild kit with seals and cups), possibly a brake drum puller, and a torque wrench.
* Raise and Secure: Safely jack up the rear of the truck and securely support it on jack stands. Always use jack stands, never rely solely on a jack. Chock the front wheels.
2. Removing the Wheel and Drum:
* Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and carefully remove the wheel.
* Remove the Drum: Sometimes the drum slides right off. If not, you might need a drum puller. Some gentle tapping with a rubber mallet might help, but avoid damaging the drum. If the drum is rusted or seized, penetrating oil may help.
3. Removing the Wheel Cylinder:
* Disconnect Brake Lines: Carefully loosen the brake line nuts using a wrench. Have a rag ready to catch any brake fluid spillage. Some people like to use a tubing wrench to protect the brake lines. You might need a line wrench.
* Remove the Wheel Cylinder: The wheel cylinder is usually held in place by one or two retaining clips or bolts. Remove these to free the wheel cylinder.
4. Replacing the Seals:
* Inspect the Wheel Cylinder: Carefully inspect the wheel cylinder for damage. If it's scored or damaged, it's best to replace the entire wheel cylinder rather than just the seals.
* Rebuild or Replace: If rebuilding, use the wheel cylinder compressor tool to compress the pistons. This is crucial to install the new seals and cups correctly. Follow the instructions that come with your rebuild kit carefully. If replacing the entire wheel cylinder, simply install the new one. It will usually have new seals already installed.
5. Reassembly:
* Install the Wheel Cylinder: Carefully install the new (or rebuilt) wheel cylinder into its mounting location, ensuring it's seated correctly.
* Reconnect Brake Lines: Carefully reconnect the brake lines, tightening the nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
* Install the Drum: Install the brake drum, ensuring it slides on easily. If it's tight, you might have something wrong.
* Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
* Reinstall the Wheel: Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
6. Bleeding the Brakes:
* Bleed the Brakes: After reassembly, you MUST bleed the brakes to remove air from the brake lines. This is essential for proper brake function. Use a brake bleeder tool and a helper to pump the brake pedal. Bleed the farthest wheel first (usually the rear passenger side), then the other rear, then the front passenger side, and finally the front driver's side.
Important Considerations:
* Brake Fluid is Corrosive: Handle brake fluid carefully, as it can damage paint and other surfaces.
* Torque Specifications: Always consult your repair manual for the correct torque specifications for lug nuts, brake line nuts, and any other fasteners.
* Professional Help: If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Brake failure can be dangerous.
This is a simplified overview. Always refer to a repair manual specific to your S10's year and model. The manual will provide detailed instructions, diagrams, and torque specifications. Failing to follow proper procedures can lead to brake failure and serious injury.
