DIY Brake Job

[Bob94]

I own a 01 silverado and she's in need of a rear brake job. My buddy has done brakes on his vehicles for years and is going to help me do this one to save a few hundred over the price of a dealership job.

 

Anyway, I'm going to buy a torque wrench so I don't over torque the wheels when I put them back on. Does anyone have any recommendations for a decent inexpensive torque wrench? And do you know the correct torque settings for the wheels?

 

In addition to the torque wrench, what brand stock pads and rotors are on my truck. And where can I get new set of these for a fair price?

 

Next if you could detail here the steps in doing the brake job including things not to forget as well as any potential pitfalls to avoid. This way between him and I (your tips) we should have a successful result. And save 3 to 400 dollars over the dealer!

 

Thanks fellas I know you can help me if anyone can.

[redvett]

Before you touch the brakes you need to bleed/flush the brake system to get the dirt & moisture laden fluid out of the system. Not doing so increases the chance of the dirty fluid getting in the ABS module and then its junk. They are about $1500. Make sure the fluid is fresh/new and unopened until you use it. Then go about doing your brake job with confidence its done right.

[az'03Silverado]

Do you have a Home Depot nearby? (silly question, I know, OF COURSE YOU DO) Their 'Husky' brand tourque wrench is pretty good and is relatively inexpensive. About $60-70. Be sure to get the one that goes up to 140 ft/lb because that's what the lugs require (it's a 1/2in. drive). And, like our friend Redvett said, be sure to bleed the system so you don't push a bunch of crap up into the ABS system. If you have a local auto parts store you should definately take the rotors to be turned (surfaced on a lathe).

[RyanbabZ71]

sears usually have their craftsman wrenches on sale. I have the 25-250 inch-lb one (not good for the wheels). Their ft-lb torque wrench is like $69.99 reg price and is usually on sale for $49.99

 

As far as tips when you have everything apart its a good time to do a general cleaning in there if you have time. Wheel wells, etc.

 

The rear brakes are pretty easy to do. My silverado rear brakes were the first I have ever done and it wasnt difficult at all. Just make sure to take your time and dont rush

[budhayes3]

I'm with Ryan on the Craftsman torque wrench...inexpensive and good. I have Snap-On ones myself, but they're really expensive and knida overkill.

 

As far as who makes the brake components, I think the pads may be Raybestos quiet stop, not sure about the rotors. I went with some performance oriented stuff that I ordered from www.praisedynobrake.com, and I really love it.

 

If you're doing the rear brakes I recommend replacing the parking brake shoes while you're in there...the clips on the factory ones tend to break and allow the shoes to rub on the drum part of the rotor, wiping out both. The new shoes usually come with new clips, it's a little cheap insurance.

 

Definitely not a bad idea to flush the brake system and put clean fluid in there to avoid forcing dirty, contaminated fluid back into the ABS actuator. You can actually open the bleeder when you compress the caliper piston, then just bleed the rear brakes in the conventional method when you're done.

 

Be sure to clean and lubricate the slide pins with a good anti-sieze before re-installation. I used Nickel-grade anti-sieze, but I'm sure if you ask your local parts store they can recommend something for you.

 

If I remember correctly, you'll need a T55 torx for the caliper bolts...or was that the front? I'm a little fuzzy on that one.

 

Besides that, it's pretty straight forward...good luck!