How to Change Brake Rotors on a 2000 Chevy S-10 Pickup

The 2000 Chevy S-10 pickup uses brake rotors that house the wheel bearings and races. When replacing rotors with a new or machined units, it is essential to replace the brake pads as well, not only to restore the brake system to its full potential, but to extend the life of the new rotors. Any imperfections in the pads will readily transfer to the surface of the new rotors. Since you must remove the wheel bearings, it is a good time to repack them. This is not a difficult process, although slightly dirty.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on the two front wheels one complete turn using the lug wrench. Raise the truck and place jack stands under the frame. Lower the truck so it rests on the stands. Remove the lug nuts and the front wheels.

2

Open the caliper bleeder screw with a wrench. Insert the screwdriver between the inside brake pad and the rotor and pry the pad away from the rotor. This will push the piston into its bore. Close the bleeder screw.

3

Remove the two caliper mounting bolts using a socket. Lift the caliper off the rotor and suspend it from the coil spring with a suitable piece of wire. Remove the two bolts in the caliper mounting bracket using a socket.

4

Remove the grease cap in the center of the spindle using the cap remover tool. Use the wire cutter to bent the cotter pin straight and pull it out of the spindle. Pull the lock washer off the spindle.

5

Remove the large spindle nut using the large adjustable pliers. Wiggle the rotor back and forth and a large washer and the front bearing will fall out of the rotor hub. Place them on a clean cloth.

6

Thread the large spindle nut about three turns onto the spindle. Grab the rotor with both hands and with a slight downward pressure give it a sudden yank to pull it off. The nut will catch the rear bearing and seal and leave them hanging on the spindle shaft.

7

Repack the two bearings with grease. Place the new rotor face down and install the large bearing into the rotor. Install the grease seal and gently tap it down flush with a hammer. Install the rotor on the spindle. Insert the small thrust bearing and the large washer followed by the spindle nut. Use the adjustable pliers to tighten the spindle nut to seat the bearings. Tighten the nut until you feel considerable resistance. Rotate the rotor a few times to seat the bearings. Loosen the spindle nut one turn and rotate the rotor again. Tighten the spindle nut again until it begins to show considerable resistance, then back it off turn.

8

Install the spindle nut lockwasher and a cotter pin in the end of the spindle shaft. Install the grease cap and tap it on with the hammer. Install the caliper-mounting bracket and tighten the two bolts to 85 foot-pounds of torque. Lower the caliper over the rotor and install the two caliper mounting bolts. Tighten these to 38 foot-pounds of torque.

9

Install the wheel and tighten the lug nuts until they are all seated in the wheel. Lower the truck and tighten the lug nuts to 110 foot-pounds of torque. Open the hood and remove the cap on the master cylinder reservoir. Fill the reservoir until it is up to the "Full" line. Replace the cap. Start the truck and slowly pump the brake pedal 10 times before driving.