How to Change the Brakes on a 1998 Blazer

The 1998 Chevrolet Blazer is a mid-size sport utility vehicle SUV, but with the same layout as the GMC Jimmy and Oldsmobile Bravada. It uses disc brakes to stop the vehicle. Changing these brakes involves replacing the brake pads. An experienced mechanic can change them in an hour or two, while the typical do-it-yourselfer will take most of a Saturday to complete the job.

Getting to the brakes

Park the Blazer on a level and solid surface.

Loosen the lug nuts on the tires covering the brakes you are going to change.

Place the floor jack under the Blazer's frame and lift the SUV. Use the rear differential for the back and the front cross member to lift the front.

Place jack stands under the frame, just adjacent to the wheel wells.

Lower the blazer onto the jack stands.

Remove the lug nuts and then the tires.

Changing the brakes

Use the wrench and socket set to loosen the outer set of bolts on the brake assembly.

Remove the inner set of bolts then pull the assembly off the brake rotor.

Remove the outer set of bolts (they are actually caliper pins) and separate the brake caliper from the assembly.

Slide out the old brake pads and insert the new brake pads in their place.

Place the housing over the brake rotor and screw in the bolts to hold it in place.

Place the brake caliper over the housing assembly and insert the caliper pins.

Use the wrench and socket set to tighten the bolts and pins as tight as possible.

Completing the job

Repeat the changing procedure for the other brakes.

Place the tires squarely on the axle hubs and screw on the lug nuts to hold them in place.

Use the floor jack to lift the SUV and then remove the jacks stands.

Lower the SUV to the ground.

Use the tire iron to tighten all of the lug nuts.