How to Replace 1981 Chevy Rotors

The brake rotors on a 1981 Chevy work together with your pads to slow and stop your automobile. If your brake rotors are bad, it will not matter whether your pads are in great shape or not; the brakes will have diminished effectiveness. There are several things that you need to look at when you inspect brake rotors: You have to make sure the surfaces are smooth on the back and front of the rotor, and you need to check for warping. Warping may not be readily noticeable, but if your brakes or wheels shake when you apply the pedal, it is likely the rotors have some warping.

Instructions

1

Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Loosen the front wheel lugs, using the lug wrench. Raise the front of the Chevy with the automobile jack. Place jack stands under the frame rails and lower the car onto the jack stands.

2

Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel away from the Chevy.

3

Remove the caliper by loosening the bolts with a socket and ratchet. Secure the caliper to the strut with a wire tie. Do not allow the caliper to hang loose, or you will damage the brake line.

4

Pull the rotor from the wheel assembly. If it does not come off easily, hit it with the rubber mallet until it breaks loose.

5

Put the new rotor on the wheel assembly. Install the brake caliper and tighten the retaining bolts with the socket and ratchet. Place the wheel on the Chevy and tighten the lug nuts hand tight.

6

Repeat steps 3 through 5 on the other wheel.

7

Remove the jack stand from under the Chevy and lower the car to the ground. Tighten the wheel lug nuts completely using the lug nut wrench.