How to Change Brake Rotors on a 95 GMC Safari

The brake rotors on the GMC Safari are an important part of the braking system. You cannot stop without them. If they have damage such as grooves in the surface, the rotors are not effective. Regardless of the reason you need to change the rotors, you should replace the brake pads at the same time. If you try to use old brake pads with new rotors, you might cause damage to the rotors. The work only takes about 30 minutes for each wheel.

Instructions

1

Park the GMC on a level surface and the ignition off. Set the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the vehicle. Lift the front end of the Safari on the side you will be starting with. Place a jack stand under the Safari near the jacking point. Remove the lug nuts using the lug wrench and take the wheel off the minivan.

2

Loosen the locking pins on the brake caliper using a socket and ratchet. Pull the caliper away from the wheel assembly. Discard the brake pads. Secure the caliper to the strut using a wire tie. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose or you will stretch and damage it.

3

Pry the grease cap from the wheel hub using the screwdriver. Remove the cotter pin from the shaft using the pliers. Remove the spindle nut using a wrench. Pull the flat washer from the shaft. Pull the wheel bearings from the shaft. Be careful that you do not drop the bearings or you will damage them.

4

Remove the rotor from the hub assembly and discard it. Put the new rotor in place on the shaft. Install the wheel bearings and then place the flat washer on the shaft. Install the spindle nut and tighten it with a wrench. Install a cotter pin, then spread it apart with the pliers.

5

Force the piston back into the caliper housing using the c-clamp. Cut the wire tie securing the caliper to the strut with the pliers. Place the new brake pads into the caliper. Place the caliper on the mounting cradle and tighten the locking pins with the socket and ratchet. Put the wheel on the Safari and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

6

Remove the jack stand from under the GMC. Lower the Safari to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheels. When the project is complete, pump the brakes several times to properly seat the brake pads on the rotors.