🔧 Front Brakes and Rotors - Replacement

Your Silverado’s front brake pads and rotors wear together, so replacing both at the same time restores stopping power and helps avoid brake noise, vibration, and uneven wear. This job is very doable at home if you take your time and keep everything clean.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat, solid surface with the transmission in Park and the parking brake set.
• Use jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it off with compressed air.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• If the brake fluid reservoir is full, watch for overflow when pushing the caliper pistons back.
• Front brakes do not require battery disconnect.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 1/2-inch breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp
• Brake caliper hanger hook (specialty)
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Catch pan
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Front brake rotors - Qty: 2
• Brake caliper slide pin grease - Qty: 1
• Brake pad hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and chock the rear wheels.
• Break the front lug nuts loose before lifting the truck.
• Raise the front of the truck and support it securely on jack stands.
• If your new rotors have protective oil, clean them with brake cleaner before install.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the front wheels

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen and remove the lug nuts.
• Remove both front wheels and set them aside.

Step 2: Remove the brake caliper

• Use an 18mm socket to remove the caliper guide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a brake caliper hanger hook (specialty).
• Never let the caliper hang by the hose.

Step 3: Remove the brake pads and hardware

• Slide the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad hardware clips from the bracket with a flat blade screwdriver.
• Clean the bracket contact points with a wire brush and brake cleaner.

Step 4: Remove the caliper bracket

• Use an 18mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the steering knuckle.
• Torque on reassembly: 200 Nm (148 ft-lbs)

Step 5: Remove the rotor

• If the rotor has a retaining screw, remove it with the correct screwdriver bit.
• Pull the rotor off the hub.
• If it is stuck, tap between the wheel studs with a rubber mallet until it breaks free.
• Clean the hub face with a wire brush so the new rotor sits flat.

Step 6: Install the new rotor

• Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner and wipe it dry.
• Install the rotor onto the hub.
• If equipped, install and snug the rotor retaining screw.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper bracket

• Install the caliper bracket over the new rotor.
• Use an 18mm socket to tighten the bracket bolts.
• Torque to 200 Nm (148 ft-lbs)

Step 8: Compress the caliper piston

• Remove the caliper from the hanger.
• Use a C-clamp to slowly push the piston back into the caliper.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir as you compress the piston.
• Go slow to avoid damaging seals.

Step 9: Install the new pads and caliper

• Apply a thin layer of brake caliper slide pin grease to the slide pins and pad contact points.
• Install the new pad hardware clips and new pads.
• Reinstall the caliper over the pads.
• Use an 18mm socket to tighten the guide pin bolts.
• Torque to 42 Nm (31 ft-lbs)

Step 10: Reinstall the wheels

• Install both front wheels.
• Hand-tighten the lug nuts first.
• Lower the truck to the ground.
• Use a 21mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs)

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✅ After Repair

• Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed first.
• Listen for rubbing, clicking, or grinding.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops unless needed.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$350 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$500 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.