How to Change the Front Rotors on a 2005 Chevy Silverado

by Don Bowman

All rotors have a minimum thickness stamped into the front of the rotor hub. Every time the brakes are checked or replaced, the thickness of the rotors should be checked with a caliper. The reason for this is twofold: the rotors get extremely hot during use, and the thinner they are, the less they can dissipate heat, which causes warping; also, a rotor that is too thin will extend the caliper piston too far, which could cause a piston seal leak, resulting in a loss of brakes.

Step 1

Raise and support the truck on jack stands for safety. Remove the wheels using the lug wrench.

Step 2

Compress the brake caliper piston by using the ¼-inch drive ratchet and a 10 mm socket and loosen the brake caliper bleeder valve on the top of the caliper. Put the drip pan under the caliper to catch the lost fluid. Insert the common screwdriver in between the brake pad and the rotor, pry the caliper out, moving it closer to the rotor, and push the caliper piston inward. Close the bleeder valve and tighten.

Step 3

Remove the caliper using the ½-inch drive ratchet and socket and removing the two bolts holding the caliper to the bracket. Hang the caliper up so it is not hanging by its hose.

Step 4

Remove the caliper mounting bracket using the ½-inch drive ratchet and socket, and remove the two large bolts behind the rotor holding the bracket to the spindle. Remove the rotor by pulling it straight off the hub. Push the new rotor on the hub and clean it with brake cleaner or a solvent to remove the protective coating.

Step 5

Install all parts in reverse order of removal. Start the truck and pump the brakes slowly until the front brakes adjust and the pedal comes up to normal height.

Things You'll Need

Writer Bio