How to Change the Brake Rotors on a Truck

Changing the brake rotors on your pickup truck is necessary if they score, heat check or thin beyond manufacturer specifications. This procedure, which applies to most pickup truck models, will help you change the rotors on your vehicle. However, if your truck comes equipped with antilock brakes (ABS), consult your owner's manual since you might have to disable the system before you begin working on any brake component.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Floor jack and two jack stands Wheel lug wrench Wrench set Ratchet and socket set Metal rear-rotor retainers Pliers

Front Brake Rotor

1. Park the vehicle in a safe place and level surface. Loosen the wheel lugs, raise the front of the truck using a floor jack and safely support it on jack stands.

2. Remove the brake caliper. On many four-wheel-drive models, you might have to remove the brake caliper mounting bracket and a rotor retaining ring as well. Use a wrench or ratchet and sockets to disassemble components.

3. Remove the brake rotor. On two-wheel drive trucks, you might have to remove the wheel bearings along with the rotor. Set the wheel bearings in a safe place so they do not become contaminated with dirt.

4. Clean the mating surface on the hub flange where the new rotor will mount to avoid possible rotor run-out and brake pulsation.

5. Install the new rotor in place, wheel bearings, rotor retaining ring, mounting bracket and brake caliper as they apply to your particular model.

6. Install the tire and wheel lugs, then lower the vehicle and finish tightening the lugs. Test drive the car to make sure the brake assembly is working properly.

Rear Brake Rotor

7. Park the vehicle in a safe place and level surface. Loosen the wheel lugs, raise the back of the truck using a floor jack and safely support it on jack stands.

8. Remove the tire, brake caliper and anchor bracket. If necessary, remove the brake pads as well.

9. Some trucks come equipped with metal rotor retainers over the hub flange bolts. Remove the retainers with a pair of pliers and discard.

10. Remove the brake rotor and clean the mating surface on the hub flange.

11. Install the new rotor in place and new rotor retainers.

12. Install the anchor bracket, brake pads and brake caliper.

13. Install the tire and wheel lugs, then lower the vehicle and finish tightening the lugs. Test drive the car to make sure the brake assembly is working properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to remove the protective coating from the new rotor friction surface. Only use denatured alcohol or an equivalent chemical. Oil-based solvents like gasoline and kerosene may damage the brake lining and may cause a fire from brake friction.

Who Can Help Sponsored