Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle and Safety Precautions:
- Park the truck on a flat and level surface.
- Engage the parking brake to prevent the truck from rolling.
- Chock the wheels to provide additional stability.
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from potential debris.
Step 2: Remove the Wheel and Tire Assembly:
- Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts of the wheel you'll be working on.
- Jack up the truck until the affected tire is off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel and tire assembly.
Step 3: Remove the Caliper Assembly:
- Locate the two caliper bolts that connect the caliper to the steering knuckle.
- Break free and then remove the caliper bolts using a ratchet and socket wrench.
- Gently hang the caliper assembly from a nearby component with a piece of wire or string to prevent strain on the brake line.
Step 4: Remove the Old Rotor:
- The rotor may be stuck to the wheel hub; to remove it:
1- Spray a penetrating oil around the rotor hub to loosen any rust.
2- Tap the back of the rotor with a rubber mallet to break the bond.
3- If the rotor is still stuck, use a pry bar or a rotor removal tool to pry it off.
Step 5: Clean the Hub:
- Clean the wheel hub thoroughly to remove any rust, dirt, or debris.
- Ensure that the hub is smooth and free of any protrusions that may interfere with the new rotor.
Step 6: Install the New Rotor:
- Place the new rotor on the wheel hub.
- Insert the new rotor mounting screws (if supplied) to hold it in place temporarily.
- Do not fully tighten these yet, as you'll need to square up the rotor in the next step.
Step 7: Square Up the Rotor:
- Slide the wheel and tire assembly back onto the wheel hub.
- Hand-tighten the lug nuts just enough to hold the wheel in place.
- Slowly lower the truck until the tire touches the ground and has some weight on it. This helps to square up the rotor.
Step 8: Tighten the Lug Nuts and Remove the Wheel:
- Torque the lug nuts to the specified value (refer to your vehicle's owner's manual).
- Jack up the truck again and completely remove the wheel and tire assembly.
Step 9: Reinstall the Caliper:
- Slide the caliper assembly back onto the rotor.
- Reinstall the caliper mounting bolts and tighten them securely.
Step 10: Reinstall the Wheel and Tire:
- Place the wheel and tire assembly back onto the hub.
- Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the specified torque.
Step 11: Test the Brakes:
- Lower the truck and test the brakes gently to ensure they are functioning properly.
Remember, brake work can be dangerous if not performed correctly. Always refer to a professional mechanic if you're not comfortable performing these tasks yourself.
