Steps to Changing a Truck's Brake Rotors
Replacing a truck's brake rotors is a complex job. The rotors on a truck can last a long time unless you are driving with worn brake shoes. When you ride on the brake rotors the braking is rough and the sound is loud. This article will list the steps to changing a truck's brake rotors.
Steps To Changing A Truck's Brake Rotors
Loosen the lug nuts on the tire. Make sure they are loose but do not remove them from the studs.
Raise the vehicle with a jack until the truck on the driver's side is off the ground. Unscrew the lug nuts from the stud and remove the tire.
There should be two bolts on the caliper. One will be towards the top and one will be on the bottom. Unscrew the bolts with a socket wrench.
Lift the caliper up and away from the rotor and place it on the axle shaft so it will not hang freely.
Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the grove of the dust cover to pry it off of the spindle.
Use a pair of pliers to pull the cotter pin out. It resembles a hairpin.
Remove the nut through which the cotter pin is sticking. Turn the nut counterclockwise with pliers and remove it from the spindle.
Use your fingers to pull out the outer bearing. You may need to shake the rotor to work the bearing loose. Remove the rotor from the spindle.
Remove the inner bearing with your fingers. Tap it with a hammer if it is too tight.
Dip the bearing in white lithium grease. Slide the new inner bearing on the spindle. Tap the wheel seal in the outer end of the rotor very carefully. It should be flushed around the edges. The wheel seal will be labeled to show you which way it should be placed.
Slide the rotor on the spindle and put it until it covers the wheel bearings.
Push the inner bearing on the spindle. Cover the inside rotor with grease.
Tighten the spindle nut with pliers. Turn the pliers one half of a turn.
Push the cotter pin into the slot of the nut.
Tap the dust cover onto the spindle and make sure it is flush along the edges.
Place the caliper over the rotor and install both bolts. Tighten the bolts. Replace the wheel back on the studs. Replace and tighten the lug nuts.
Lower the truck and remove the jack and tight the lug nuts more.
Repeat all steps for the passenger side of the truck.