The weekend, I am planing on replacing my front brakes. I am doing pads, rotors, and calipers.

Based on research on this site, I am going with 2500 light duty (7500 lb) calipers, which require the pads for a 2500. Rotors for a 1500, of course (5 lug).


I have done brake pads before, and they are pretty easy. Any special tricks for these trucks?

-The rotors just slide off, like a regular car, is that correct?

-Removing the calipers is my biggest worry. I went through the 1996 service manual, downloaded from the site, and it seems that you just unbolt the 2 bolts, like you normally would for removing the pads.

The only additional step seems to be unbolting the brake line. This just unscrews and hangs, correct? I assume that brake fluid will be leaking from the line, should I just let it drip into a drain pan?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

Well, I don't know about "just slide off"...... Maybe "Beat them off with a big farking hammer"...... but, aside from that bit, yeah, Pretty easy.

 

BFH, check. Always got one of those handy.

 

Mine came right off.

 

Wait until you move up here into the rust belt.

 

I know, it sucks. My old Blazer suffered from severe rust damage, strangely enough, only to the rear, almost NO rust on the front half.

I'm gonna have to trade her in for something 4x4 anyway...

 

You shouldn't have to worry about the calipers. Just the 2 bolts and remove.

 

I guess I can let the brake hose drip into a drain pan, and keep an eye on the fluid level so air doesn't get into the system.

For the rotors, should I do anything besides clean them with brake parts cleaner? I've heard of people lightly sanding them before putting them on.

 

If they are new, they will already have the correct non-directional finish on them. Just clean them REALLY well, and stick 'em on.

 

Wrong, bleeding the brakes is what you will need to do if you want it right.