How to Remove a Caliper on Trucks

Calipers are part of your truck's braking system and in order to replace the truck's ball joints, you need to remove the calipers to gain access to them. The calipers are not difficult to remove and it can be done in just a few minutes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Secure the truck on a set of jack stands, taking care to place them in an area that will not effect the job you are trying to accomplish. This is best done by placing the jack stand in the front of the truck under the control arm toward the center of the truck.

2. Remove the wheel by removing the lug nuts and lifting the wheel off the hub studs. Set the wheel and lug nuts aside in an area where they will not be damaged or in the way. Inspect them for damage before setting aside. If there is damage, the part will need to be replaced before re-installing.

3. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into one of the inspection slots on the piston and pry against the surface of the rotor. This will compress the piston and allow the brake pads to slip off. They will be removed completely after the caliper is removed.

4. Use a 3-inch socket wrench with a 13 millimeter socket, or whatever your caliper mounting bolts require, to first loosen the upper caliper mounting bolt, then the lower caliper mounting bolt. Once the bolts are removed, wiggle the caliper off and remove the brake pads completely.