Here's a general overview. This is NOT a complete, step-by-step guide. Consult a repair manual specific to your year and model Blazer for detailed instructions and safety precautions. Improperly performed brake work can be extremely dangerous.
1. Identify Your Brake Type:
* Drum Brakes: Look behind your wheels. If you see a round, cylindrical drum, you have drum brakes.
* Disc Brakes: If you see a disc-shaped rotor, you have disc brakes.
2. Gather Tools and Materials:
Regardless of brake type, you'll need:
* Jack and jack stands: Crucial for safety. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Sockets and wrenches: Various sizes will be needed, depending on your Blazer's specific components.
* Brake cleaner: Essential for cleaning brake parts.
* New brake shoes or pads: Buy the correct parts for your vehicle.
* New hardware: Often includes springs, clips, and possibly wheel cylinders (drum brakes) or caliper bolts (disc brakes).
* Gloves: To protect your hands.
* Repair manual: Highly recommended for detailed instructions and torque specifications.
3. Rear Drum Brake Replacement (More Common):
* Remove the wheel.
* Remove the brake drum. This may require some force; use a rubber mallet if necessary. Be careful not to damage the drum.
* Inspect the wheel cylinder. If it's leaking, it needs replacement.
* Remove the old brake shoes and hardware. Pay close attention to how everything is assembled; take pictures or make notes.
* Install the new brake shoes and hardware. Ensure everything is correctly aligned and properly seated.
* Adjust the brake shoes. This is crucial for proper brake function.
* Reinstall the brake drum.
* Reinstall the wheel.
4. Rear Disc Brake Replacement (Less Common):
* Remove the wheel.
* Remove the caliper. This usually involves removing caliper bolts and possibly disconnecting the brake line. Support the caliper to prevent it from hanging on the brake hose.
* Remove the brake pads.
* Inspect the rotor for wear and scoring. Replace if necessary.
* Install the new brake pads.
* Reinstall the caliper.
* Reinstall the wheel.
* Bleed the brakes. This is essential to remove air from the brake lines.
5. Bleeding the Brakes (Important for Both Types):
After any brake work, bleeding the brakes is crucial to remove air that may have entered the system. This usually requires two people: one to pump the brake pedal and one to open and close the bleeder valve on each caliper or wheel cylinder. Consult your repair manual for the proper bleeding procedure.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only. Brake work is complex and potentially dangerous if not done correctly. Incorrect brake repair can lead to serious injury or death. It is strongly recommended that you consult a repair manual specific to your 2001 Ford Blazer and/or take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for brake service.
