How to Replace Brake Rotors on a TrailBlazer

The Chevy TrailBlazer uses disc brakes on the front to help stop the vehicle when you depress the brake pedal. The use of brake rotors on the front of the TrailBlazer is a vast improvement over drum brakes because disc brakes offer more efficient braking. The process for replacing the front rotors on the TrailBlazer requires some basic automotive know-how, but the novice mechanic can replace them right in the driveway.

Remove the cap from the TrailBlazer’s master cylinder.

Raise the front of the TrailBlazer with a jack and secure it on jack stands. Remove the lug nuts from the front wheels with a tire iron then pull off both wheels.

Remove the two bolts on the backside of the brake caliper with a socket and ratchet. The bolts secure the caliper to the brake spindle. Pull the caliper off of the brake rotor.

Pry the center cap off of the rotor with a flat head screwdriver to expose the center hub of the wheel.

Remove the bolt that secures the rotor to the wheel spindle with the socket and ratchet.

Pull the rotor off of the TrailBlazer’s wheel spindle.

Tap a new inner wheel bearing onto the back of the brake rotor. Apply bearing grease to the inner bore of the rotor then tap the new outer wheel bearing onto the front of the rotor.

Slide the rotor onto the spindle and secure it with the nut, socket and ratchet.

Remove the old brake pads from the caliper. Squeeze the caliper piston back into the backside of the caliper with a pair of pliers. Place the new pads into the caliper and mount the caliper onto the rotor. Secure the caliper to the brake spindle with the two bolts, socket and ratchet.

Remount the wheel back onto the TrailBlazer’s rotor and secure it with the tire iron.

Duplicate the process for the other front brake. Close the master cylinder cap and press on the brake pedal a few times to seat the brake pads against the new rotors.