Silverado Disc Brake Rotor Removal

The Chevrolet Silverado pickup uses a hydraulic caliper to apply friction to a rotor, braking the truck. The disc-shaped rotor is prone to wearing out as its material thins, or becoming glazed or warped because of misuse or cheap construction. These problems are solved by removing (and replacing) the rotor, which can take the average backyard mechanic about 30 minutes to complete.

Preparation

Access to the disc brakes is restricted by the wheel and tire, so you must remove them. Jack up the Silverado by placing the jack head onto a frame rail and pumping the lever until the wheel is in the air. Remove the wheel by turning the lug nuts counterclockwise, then pulling the wheel free from the hub. Inspect the brakes for damage or debris. Remove the ABS adapter plug from the caliper socket if required.

Caliper

The caliper has two pads that it holds against the rotor, and you can take off the entire apparatus by turning the two mount bolts in the back of the caliper counterclockwise. They are hex-head bolts, but some models of Silverado may require a special socket. Once the caliper's mount bolts are off, the unit slides off of the rotor. The pads can fall out immediately if they are badly worn; other times the pads will require you to pry them slightly with a screwdriver to release them. Place the caliper on the control arm, or tie it up to the arm. Don't leave the caliper dangling by the brake lines.

Rotor

Most models of Silverado disc rotors will pull away from the hub at this time, but four-wheel-drive models will require you to loosen the spindle nut first. This nut, sometimes called a hub nut, is in the center of the rotor and turns counterclockwise for removal. Once the nut is off, the rotor pulls easily away from the hub. Age and corrosion may necessitate some prying with a screwdriver, but typically the rotor is not bound to the hub in any way other than the spindle nut.