How to Change the Front Rotors of a 1999 Rodeo

Changing the front rotors on your Rodeo can be done at home in less than one hour. Normal wear on the rotors occurs over time, but strenuous driving conditions can hasten the need for replacement. Damage to the rotors typically happens from overly worn brake pads. Heat warping from heavy brake use can cause uneven areas on the surface of the rotor. The 1999 Rodeo currently has a recall that has do with its brake system. Contact your dealership before making repairs; it's possible that a recall will correct the problem at no cost to you. Always practice safety when attempting your own auto repairs.

Instructions

Removing the Front Rotor

1

Pop the hubcap off of the truck's rim with the flat-head screwdriver. Set the hubcap safely to the side of your work area.

2

Crack the lug nuts loose on the rim. Do not remove them--only slightly loosen them. Raise the truck with the car jack carefully until the tire is clear of the ground. Slide your jack stand into position next to the car jack and under the frame. Raise the jack stand to the same height of the car jack and return the locking pin to secure it.

3

Loosen the lug nuts completely and remove them with your lug wrench. Set the lug nuts to the side with the center cap.

4

Remove the tire slowly from the hub assembly. Make sure the wheel does not drag across the lug bolts and damage the threads on the bolts.

5

Remove the two bolts on the back of the brake caliper with your socket wrench and slide them out of their sleeves completely. They may be difficult to start. Remember that since the bolts are facing away from you, you will be turning the wrench in a clockwise motion to loosen them.

6

Set the 5 gallon bucket just outside of the wheel well of the Rodeo, close, but not under the wheel well. Using both hands carefully slide the caliper assembly off of the brake rotor and set it down on the top of the bucket. Make sure the brake line still has slack and is not being stressed or pulled.

7

Slowly remove the brake rotor from the truck. Use caution while removing the rotor so you don't drag the brake rotor across the hub assembly bolts. If the rotor is stuck on the hub, use the rubber hammer to lightly tap around the circumference of the back of the rotor to release it. If the hub is rusty, you may need to soak it with penetrating oil and let it work for a while.

Installing the Front Rotor

8

Inspect your new brake rotor to make sure that it isn't damaged in any way. There should not be any scratches or cracks in the rotor. Place the new rotor next to the old brake rotor and make sure the bolt patterns and the center hole match. Plan on replacing the brake pads while you have the caliper assembly removed. If the rotor is worn, they will be too. Also, the two new surfaces must mate and break in together for optimal brake performance. Since you are changing the rotor you must use a C-clamp to compress the caliper piston completely back into the bore housing.

9

Place the new brake rotor back into position in the exact way you removed the old one.

10

Fit the new pads to the caliper. Carefully pick up the caliper assembly and slide it back onto the brake rotor. Start the two bolts that secure the caliper assembly by hand to insure proper threading. Set your torque wrench to 33 foot-pounds and torque the bolts.

11

Remove the bucket from the side of the truck. Pick up the tire and carefully slide it back onto the hub. Hold the tire in position and put each lug nut back on by hand. Twist them on as tight as you can by hand before letting the tire go. Use the lug wrench and tighten each lug nut in a star pattern until completely secured.

12

Remove the jack stand and lower the Rodeo back down to the ground and remove the car jack. Use the lug wrench one additional time to tighten the lug nuts to make sure they are completely secure. Place the hubcap back on the rim. Repeat the process for the other side. Start the truck and pump the brakes until you feel them stiffen.