How to Change S-10 Brake Rotors

Typical automotive disc brake rotor.

Before installing the new brake rotors on your Chevy S-10 pickup, remove the protecting coating on the friction surface of the rotor using denatured alcohol and wipe it with a clean shop rag. In addition, if you have a 2-wheel drive model, it is a good idea to install new wheel bearing races and bearings. Then follow these steps to replace the rotors.

Things You'll Need

• Lug wrench floor jack and 2 jack stands
• Wrench set
• Ratchet and socket set
• 2 to 3-foot Wire
• Nose pliers
• Standard screwdriver
• Hammer
• Axle socket
• Brake Parts cleaner
• Shop rags
• Front and rear bearing race and wheel bearings-2 wheel drive models
• Grease seal-2 wheel drive models
• Wheel bearing grease
• New cotter pin-2 wheel drive models

Instructions

1. Park your car in a safe place with a level surface. Loosen the front wheel lugs using a lug wrench and raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack; safely support the vehicle on 2 jack stands and remove the front tires.

2. Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts using a wrench or ratchet and socket. If you have a 4-wheel drive, remove the brake caliper mounting bracket bolts as well using a wrench or ratchet and socket and remove the retaining ring form the center of the hub using a pair of nose pliers. On both models, secure the caliper on the car body using a metal wire to avoid damaging the brake hose.

3. Remove the brake rotor, if you have a 4-wheel drive; if yours is a 2-wheel drive, remove the grease cap from the center of the hub using a standard screwdriver and hammer; lightly tap around the lip of the cap to separate it from the hub; then remove the cotter pin using a pair of nose pliers; remove the nut lock with the nose pliers; then remove the axle nut using an axle socket and ratchet. Remove the washer and bearing, then remove the rotor. Make sure to keep these parts in a clean surface to prevent contamination from dust and debris.

4. Clean the hub flange from brake lining dust, dirt and grease by spraying brake parts cleaner and wiping the assembly with a clean shop rag.

5. Install the new rotors in place. If you have a 4-wheel drive, install the brake caliper mounting bracket and caliper. If you have a 2 wheel drive, apply a coat of wheel bearing grease to the center of the axle stub; then install a new rear and front wheel bearing race on the new rotor; pack the new rear and front wheel bearing with wheel bearing grease; install the rear bearing and grease seal; apply a coat of wheel bearing grease between the bearing races on the rotor and install the rotor on the hub; then install the front bearing, washer, axle nut, nut lock with a new cotter pin. Fill the grease cap with wheel bearing grease and install the cap. Then install the brake caliper.

6. Install the tires and lower the vehicles, then finish tightening the wheel lugs.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your owner's manual or vehicle service manual to identify or locate components. You can buy one at most auto parts stores or consult one for free at most public libraries.

• Brake pads and shoes may contain asbestos, which is known to cause cancer if inhaled in large quantities. When replacing the brake rotors, make sure to wipe brake lining dust off the wheel assembly using brake parts cleaner and a shop rag. Do not blow or disturb brake dust. On 2-wheel drive models, follow the car manufacturer procedure for proper wheel bearing installation related to your particular model. The instructions given here are general in nature.