Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safety. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To secure the rear wheels.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheel.
* Socket wrench set: Various sizes, including those for caliper bolts, rotor retaining bolt (if applicable), and lug nuts.
* Wrench for caliper bracket bolts: Likely a 13mm or 14mm.
* C-clamp or caliper compression tool: To compress the brake caliper piston.
* Brake cleaner: To clean the mating surfaces.
* Wire brush or sandpaper: To clean the hub.
* New brake rotors: Make sure you get the correct ones for your S10.
* New brake pads (recommended): While not strictly necessary, replacing the pads at the same time is highly recommended for optimal braking performance and safety. Brake pad wear is usually uneven.
* Torque wrench: Absolutely crucial for proper tightening of bolts.
* Gloves: To keep your hands clean.
* Safety glasses: To protect your eyes from flying debris.
Procedure:
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Raise the front of the truck using the jack and secure it with jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
3. Remove the Caliper: Locate the caliper bolts holding the caliper to the bracket. Use the appropriate socket wrench to remove these bolts. Carefully support the caliper as you remove it; it's filled with brake fluid and can be heavy. You might want to hang it from the suspension using some wire to keep it out of the way.
4. Compress the Caliper Piston: Using the C-clamp or caliper compression tool, slowly compress the brake caliper piston. This creates space for the new, thicker rotor. Be careful not to damage the piston seal. Some brake fluid might leak – have some rags handy.
5. Remove the Old Rotor: There might be a retaining bolt or screw on the rotor’s hub. Remove this if present. Then, usually, you can simply pull the old rotor off the hub. If it’s stuck, gently tap it from the back with a rubber mallet. Avoid damaging the wheel hub.
6. Clean the Hub: Thoroughly clean the wheel hub mating surface with a wire brush or sandpaper to ensure proper contact with the new rotor. Use brake cleaner to remove any grease or debris.
7. Install the New Rotor: Carefully slide the new rotor onto the wheel studs. If there's a retaining bolt, replace and tighten it appropriately.
8. Reinstall the Caliper: Carefully reinstall the brake caliper onto the bracket, ensuring the caliper slides smoothly. Tighten the caliper bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
9. Reinstall the Wheel: Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure. Don't overtighten.
10. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack.
11. Final Tightening: After lowering the vehicle, tighten the lug nuts again to the manufacturer's specified torque.
12. Test Drive: Test drive the vehicle and check for unusual noises or vibrations.
Important Considerations:
* Brake Fluid: If you have to significantly compress the caliper piston, you may need to check and possibly top off your brake fluid reservoir.
* Bleeding Brakes (Possibly): While unlikely after this repair, if you notice a soft brake pedal after reinstalling the caliper, you might need to bleed the brakes. This is a more advanced procedure.
* Professional Help: If you're uncomfortable performing this repair, it's best to have a qualified mechanic do it. Brake work is critical for your safety.
This is a general guide. Always consult your owner's manual and a reputable repair manual specific to your 2000 Chevy S10 for detailed instructions and torque specifications. Failing to follow correct procedures can lead to brake failure.
