How to Replace Disc Brakes on a GMC Suburban

The GMC Suburban has been around since the 1940s, and is known today as a versatile vehicle capable of carrying lots of people to their destination. It also is fairly heavy, so the disc brakes go through more work than on a traditional vehicle. and need to be replaced and cared for more often. In this case, the project vehicle is a 1998 GMC Suburban, but the process is similar for other vehicles as well.

Instructions

1

Lift up the front of the vehicle using the jack and secure it on jack stands. Make sure the vehicle is completely secure on the jack stands before you crawl underneath it. Remove the front wheels using the tire iron and place them to the side, out of the workspace.

2

Unbolt the brake caliper from the spindle using a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Hand the brake caliper from the frame using a metal hook to keep the brake line free of any supporting weight. Use the flathead screwdriver to pop off the bearing cap on the center of the brake rotor, then unbolt the rotor from the spindle using an open-end wrench. Slide the rotor off the spindle and place it to the side.

3

Place the replacement rotor face down on the ground. Place a handful of bearing grease in your hand and work the grease into the replacement wheel bearing. Place the bearing into the center of the back of the rotor, then tap the replacement wheel seal onto the rotor using the mallet. Flip over the rotor and grease the front wheel bearing in the same manner as the rear, then place it into the rotor. Slide the rotor onto the spindle and tighten the bolt onto the spindle, securing the rotor with an open-end wrench. Once its tightened all the way, back off the nut 1/4 rotation, and spin the rotor to make sure it rotates freely. Tap the bearing cap onto the rotor using the mallet.

4

Place the C-clamp into the center of the brake caliper, then tighten it down on the pistons. Two circular pistons are on the center of the caliper, and the C-clamp must be tightened to clamp them down all the way. Place the clips from the replacement brake pads onto the pads, then clip them into the caliper. Slide the caliper onto the rotor and bolt it in place on the spindle using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.

5

Reinstall the front wheels using the tire iron and then raise the vehicle off of the jack stands using the jack and place it back on the ground.

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