🔧 Front Brake Pads & Rotors - Replacement

The front brakes on your Silverado use a caliper, pads, and a vented rotor on each side. This job replaces the worn friction parts and the rotors so braking stays smooth and quiet.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and keep the parking brake set.
• Use jack stands; never rely on the jack alone.
• Front brake parts can be hot after driving. Let them cool first.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Support the caliper so the brake hose is not stretched.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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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
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• 19mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Bungee cord or caliper hanger
• C-clamp
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Bungee cord or wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Catch pan

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front brake pad set - Qty: 1 set
• Front brake rotors - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Brake hardware kit - Qty: 1 set
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1-2 cans
• Brake grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before lifting the truck.
• If the brake fluid reservoir is full, remove a small amount before compressing the caliper pistons.
• Replace both front rotors and both front pad sets at the same time.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise the front of the truck

• Use the floor jack to lift the front end at the proper frame or crossmember lift point.
• Support it with jack stands under the frame.
• Remove both front wheels with the 21mm socket.

Step 2: Remove the brake caliper

• Use the 19mm socket to remove the caliper guide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the rotor and hang it with a bungee cord or caliper hanger.
• Never let the caliper hang by the hose.

Step 3: Remove the brake pads and caliper bracket

• Slide the brake pads out of the bracket.
• Use the 21mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket and set it aside.

Step 4: Remove the rotor

• If the rotor is stuck, use a flat-blade screwdriver to back off the small retaining clip if equipped.
• Pull the rotor off the hub.
• If it will not move, tap the hat area lightly with a hammer from the backside.

Step 5: Clean the hub and install the new rotor

• Use a wire brush to clean rust from the hub face.
• Spray the hub with brake cleaner and wipe it clean.
• Install the new rotor and make sure it sits flat on the hub.
• A clean hub prevents brake pulsation.

Step 6: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp to slowly push the caliper piston fully back into the bore.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir so it does not overflow.
• If the piston is hard to move, stop and inspect for a stuck caliper.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper bracket and pads

• Install the caliper bracket using the 21mm socket.
• Torque to 220 Nm (162 ft-lbs).
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the pad contact points on the bracket.
• Install the new pads in the bracket.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Place the caliper over the new pads and rotor.
• Install the guide pin bolts with the 19mm socket.
• Torque to 31 Nm (23 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheels

• Put both wheels back on and snug the lug nuts with the 21mm socket.
• Lower the truck and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Pump the brake pedal

• Use your foot to pump the brake pedal several times until it becomes firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Do this before driving anywhere.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and confirm the brake pedal feels firm.
• Check both front wheels for any brake fluid leaks.
• Test brake operation at low speed in a safe area.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops unless needed for safety.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $180-$380 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$470 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 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.