- Gather the necessary tools and parts. You will need:
- A jack and jack stands
- A lug wrench
- A socket set
- A ratchet
- A torque wrench
- A C-clamp
- Brake cleaner
- New brake rotors
- New brake pads
- Brake grease
- Put on your safety glasses and gloves.
- Park your truck on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the tires that you are going to be working on, but do not remove them completely.
- Jack up your truck until the tires are off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts and take off the tires.
Step 2: Remove the old brake rotors
- Locate the brake caliper on the inside of the wheel hub.
- Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the caliper in place. Be careful not to let the caliper fall off and damage the brake line.
- Once the caliper is removed, you can remove the old brake rotors.
Step 3: Clean the brake rotors
- Use a wire brush to clean the brake rotors and remove any rust or debris.
- Spray the brake rotors with brake cleaner to remove any dirt or oil.
- Let the brake rotors dry completely.
Step 4: Install the new brake rotors
- Place the new brake rotors onto the wheel hubs.
- Reinstall the caliper and tighten the bolts.
- Torque the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications.
- Install the tires and lug nuts.
- Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.
Step 5: Test the brakes
- Start your truck and pump the brakes several times.
- The brakes should feel firm and responsive.
- If the brakes feel spongy or soft, there may be air in the brake lines. You will need to bleed the brakes to remove the air.
Congratulations! You have successfully changed the brake rotors on your 1988 Dodge 1500.
