Brake components for light duty and medium duty trucks can be some of the most vital parts of your vehicle. These kinds of medium and light duty vehicles can be equipped with larger brake components to offset the vehicle’s hefty weight.
Today we’ll be showing you the process of removing the replacing the Chevy brakes in front on a 2001 Chevy Silverado. This vehicle is a HD version with the 6.0 liter engine and we’ll be replacing the front rotors with Centric versions part number 120.66040 and the pads as well, Centric 105.07840.
As with all of our writeups, if you are not comfortable working on your vehicle stop now and take your vehicle into certified ASE mechanic.
To begin raise the front of your vehicle and secure it so that it will not move, slide or lower itself. Use jackstands if you do not have access to an automotive lift.
Begin by choosing a corner and remove the wheel in question, which should expose your brake components. Remove the 2 bolts that hold in your Chevy brakes caliper bridge, and remove the pads and brake caliper bridge all together.
Now with this bridge removed, you can now remove your old pads and discard them.
Take your new pads and make sure to coat the backing with brake quiet to minimize any noise that may occur during the first few stops.
With your brake pads prepped, you can turn your attention back to your rotor and brake caliper. Remove the two 22mm bolts that hold the caliper in place, and slide off your brake rotor.
Undo these two 22mm bolts that hold the lower brake caliper onto the wheel assembly.
Once you have the brake caliper mount removed, you can now move on to removing the upper and lower brake clips.
You should now be ready to remove that old rotor and start to prep the new one. Discard old rotor and make sure that you clean and prep the new rotor properly using brake clean.
Mount new rotor and inspect to ensure that it’s as clean as possible before you install pads and the caliper.
Secure the brake caliper and take care so that the brake line will not stretch or become worn. Make sure the caliper does not hang or sag off the vehicle, and support it as best you can while you have the rotor removed.
Now with the new rotor in place, you must bleed or open the brake caliper to ensure that your new meaty pads and rotor will fit. Attach a vacuum hose to one end of the caliper bleed nipple, and submerge the other end of the line in a two liter plastic bottle or similar can.
Using a caliper tool or similar device, open the brake caliper so that your new pads and rotor will fit under. Make sure that your caliper is bolted down and that there are no kinks or weirdness with the brake line, as it’s rubber and not sleeved for protection.
Once you have your front brakes all changed, you must then move onto bleeding your brakes. If you have properly bled them using the submerged vacuum line, there should be minimal air pockets in your hydraulic system, making it easier to bleed once the car is ready to be driven.
Happy driving! You have now completed your brake install on your light duty GM / Chevy truck or van!