How to Remove the Brake Rotor on a 3500 Chevrolet Truck
by Gregory Crews
The Chevrolet 3500 truck carries a lot of weight, and having smooth brake rotors is essential for maximum stopping power. The rotor is the component the brake calipers press against to slow the heavy truck down to a stop. When the rotor is warped or grooved, the truck will vibrate as it slows down, causing a very uncomfortable stop. Accessing the rotors requires removing the wheel and the calipers to slide the rotor off the spindle.
Step 1
Park the truck on a level surface. Set the parking brake and place a chock behind the back wheel to prevent the truck from rolling back when it is raised.
Step 2
Loosen the lug nuts with a tire tool. Do not take the lugs off the wheel studs.
Step 3
Place a jack under the front cross-member. Raise the truck high enough to place a jack stand under the cross-member. Lower the truck onto the jack stands.
Step 4
Unscrew the lug nuts with the tire tool. Remove the wheel and set it aside.
Step 5
Locate the two screws behind the brake caliper. Unscrew them with a socket wrench and a T-55 attachment. Back the caliper off the rotor and place it on the control arm. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake line.
Step 6
Pull the brake pads off the front and back of the rotor and set them aside.
Step 7
Unbolt the pad holder with a socket wrench. Pull it off from around the rotor.
Step 8
Pull the rotor off the bearing assembly. In some cases there may be heavy rust buildup that will make pulling the rotor off difficult. Tap the back of the rotor with a hammer to loosen it. If the rotor is still stubborn, spray it with penetrating oil to dissolve some of the rust buildup. The rotor should then slide off the bearing assembly.
References
- "Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Haynes Repair Manual for 1999-2006 Full-size Light-duty Gasoline Engine Models"; John Haynes; 2006
Things You'll Need
- Tire tool
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Socket wrench
- T-55 Torx bit
- Socket set
- Hammer
- Penetrating oil
Warnings
- Use caution when working under a raised vehicle. Ensure that the vehicle is on a level surface and the parking brake is set.
Writer Bio
Gregory Crews has been in the film industry for three years and has appeared in more than 38 major motion pictures and 16 television shows. He also writes detailed automotive tutorials. His expertise in the automotive industry has given him the skills to write detailed technical instructional articles.
