How to Replace the Brake Pads on a 2002 Silverado 2500 HD

The Silverado is a big truck, and it can take a toll on its brakes depending on how hard you drive it. You should change the front brake pads at 60,000 miles and at least inspect the condition of the rear brake pads. On the 2002 model 2500 Silverado, replacing the front and rear pads is basically the same procedure. Whether you're changing the front or rear pads, you need to change the pads on the left and right sides together.

Instructions

Removal

1

Remove at least two-thirds of the brake fluid from the engine compartment's master-cylinder reservoir; use a syringe bottle, turkey baster or other siphon tool that has never been used. Dispose of the fluid as per your local ordinances.

2

Raise either the front or rear end of the truck and support it on jack stands; loosen the lug nuts prior to lifting the truck. Remove both wheels on the raised end and block the wheels at the other end.

3

Compress each of the brake caliper's two pistons using a C-clamp. Compress each piston slowly and observe the fluid level in the master-cylinder reservoir; siphon out more fluid if needed to make sure it doesn't overflow.

4

Remove the brake caliper's lower mounting bolt with a flare-nut wrench or similar, then lift and pivot the caliper upward.

5

Pull the inner and outer brake pads out of the caliper's mounting bracket.

6

Remove the retainers from the upper and lower ends of the mounting bracket. Inspect them for cracks or distortion and reinstall them; replace any that are damaged.

Installation

7

Apply an anti-squeal compound to the backing plates of the replacement brake pads; squeeze the compound out in circles that will match up with the position of the caliper pistons. Allow a few minutes for the compound to set.

8

Install the brake pads into the mounting bracket.

9

Pull the slide pin and rubber boot out of the caliper and inspect both for scoring, corrosion or other damage. Lubricate the slide pin with high-temperature brake grease and reinstall the pin and boot. Lubricate the mounting bolt with the same grease and install it with the wrench.

10

Unscrew and remove the caliper's upper mounting bolt and slide pin if the lower bolt and pin were dry. Lubricate this pin and bolt and install the two back in the caliper.

11

Reconnect the wheels and lower the truck after changing the pads for both wheels.

12

Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with fresh fluid.

13

Press the brake pedal several times to set the brakes; do it until the pedal feels firm.