Bravada Rear Brake Rotor Removal

One of the most important steps in replacing the brake rotor on your Oldsmobile Bravada is cleaning the axle flange. This not only provides better brake performance but also prevents rotor run out. Make sure you have the special cleaning tool kit and any other necessary new rotor mounting hardware before starting.

Removing the Rotor

Park your vehicle in a level surface and, if you are installing a new rotor, draw at least half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir using a hand siphon pump. After raising the rear of the car, chock the front wheels and remove the rear wheel/tire assembly with the rotor you need to replace.

After removing the brake caliper, use one of the brake pads to retract the caliper cylinder into its bore, if you are installing a new rotor. For this, place the pad against the piston and, using a large C-clamp, force the piston back until it is completly seated. Then secure the caliper to the coil spring to prevent damage to the bake hose attached to the caliper.

Make sure to note the location of each brake pad and anti-rattle clips so that you can install them in the same location. Then you can remove the brake pads, clips and brake caliper anchor bracket.

Ring retainers, at the base of the axle-flange studs, hold the brake rotor in place on your Bravada model. You can remove the retainers with a pair of rib joint pliers. Robert Maddox, in the Chevrolet S-10 & GMC Sonoma Pick-ups repair manual, recommends replacing the rotor retainers with new ones. Once you have removed the retainers, pull the brake rotor off the axle flange.

Installing the Rotor

Thoroughly clean the mating surface on the axle flange using the special tool J42450-A, or an equivalent hub cleaning kit. This will eliminate any debris or residue that could increase rotor runout and brake pulsation.

If you are installing a new brake rotor, remove the protective film off the rotor friction surface using denatured alcohol or a similar compound and a clean cloth. Do not use oil-based chemicals like gasoline or kerosene that may leave an oily coating on the rotor surface. This will not only damage brake pads lining but may cause a fire during brake operation.

When ready, install the rotor along with the new metal retainers. Handle the rotor with care and avoid contaminating its friction surface with oil or grease. Then finish installing the rest of the brake assembly and lower the vehicle. Refill the master cylinder reservoir with new brake fluid if you installed a new rotor. And before driving your car, test the brake pedal and make sure it feels firm.