🔧 Front Brakes and Rotors - Replacement

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

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• Support the truck with jack stands before removing any wheels. Never rely on the jack alone.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it off with compressed air; use brake cleaner instead.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• Use caution around hot rotors and calipers if the vehicle was recently driven.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Lug wrench or 22mm socket
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 13mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Flathead screwdriver
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Micrometer or brake rotor measuring tool
• 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 - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake caliper grease - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and engage the parking brake.
• Put the transmission in Park.
• Break the front lug nuts loose before lifting the truck.
• Raise the front and support it securely with jack stands.
• Keep the ignition off while you work.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the front wheel

• Use the 22mm socket or lug wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts.
• Remove the wheel and set it aside.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use the 21mm socket to remove the two caliper guide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a hook or bungee cord. Do not let it 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 using a flathead screwdriver.
• Clean the bracket before installing new clips.

Step 4: Remove the caliper bracket

• Use the 18mm socket and breaker bar to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the knuckle.
• Torque on installation: 237 Nm (175 ft-lbs)

Step 5: Remove the rotor

• Pull the rotor straight off the hub.
• If it is stuck, tap the rotor hat lightly from behind or use the threaded jacking holes if equipped.
• Use a wire brush to clean rust from the hub face.

Step 6: Install the new rotor

• Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner to remove the protective oil coating.
• Install the rotor on the hub and hold it in place.
• Keep the hub face perfectly clean.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper bracket

• Install the caliper bracket over the rotor.
• Use the 18mm socket to tighten the bracket bolts.
• Torque to 237 Nm (175 ft-lbs)

Step 8: Install the new pads

• Apply a thin layer of brake caliper grease to the pad ears and contact points on the hardware.
• Install the new pad clips if included.
• Slide the new pads into the bracket.

Step 9: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool to push the piston fully back into the caliper.
• Compress slowly and watch the brake fluid level in the master cylinder.
• Open the master cylinder cap first.

Step 10: Reinstall the caliper

• Set the caliper over the new pads and rotor.
• Install the guide pin bolts with the 21mm socket.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs)

Step 11: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the truck enough for the tire to touch the ground.
• Use the 22mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 176 Nm (130 ft-lbs)

Step 12: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads and rotor on the opposite front wheel using the same steps.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal slowly several times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed first.
• Expect a short break-in period for new pads and rotors.
• Listen for noise and check for pulling or vibration during the first drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $180-$320 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$530 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.