How to change brake pads and rotors on a Chevy Silverado has become a concept that every driver must be aware of. It is highly recommended for all vehicle drivers to know how to replace different parts or systems that the car has.
The brake pads have been indispensable within the service braking system of the car. The friction that it provokes to the rotors is vital when people tend to use the pedal. Then, what it will cause is making the vehicle stop.
Good conditions are always necessary if you want your vehicle to operate in the most optimum circumstances. If they are not in excellent condition, it could cause different problems such as unwanted skidding and the braking distances might increase. You need to make sure that both, brake pads and rotors are always in the finest way to function. You will be safe and receiving uniform braking. It will always be better for you and your safety.
The brake rotor also referred to as the brake disc, is the round metal part bolted to the hub that the caliper and clamp brake pads. It occurs when the brakes are applied.
When the rotor is held, this, in turn, slows the wheel and allows the car to stop. Rotors experience a tremendous amount of heat and friction in everyday life. As a driver, you must ensure your safety by having all those parts or systems in the best condition.
Check out our product reviews on the best brake pads for Toyota Tundra, best brake pads for Honda Accord.
The lifetime of Brake pads and rotors
The average lifetime of brake rotors
This depends on the conditions that the vehicle describes. Hence, it is difficult to give an estimate in miles. In some vehicles, the rotors last 70,000 miles or more. If a vehicle is driven predominantly in a traffic stop and go, then the life of the rotor will be shorter. This is in contrast to a vehicle that is driven primarily by the highway at a constant speed.
Proper maintenance is another factor in the life of the rotor. Brake pads should be inspected and changed regularly to prevent punctuation, overheating, and deformation of the rotors.
The average lifetime of brake pads
The life of a pair of brake pads depends on many variants. It includes the driving habit of each driver and the material with which they are made. Because of this, no standard has been set by mechanics or manufacturers. Therefore, they can last from 48,000 to 112,000 km and even longer.
Type of brake pads
Semi-metallic brake pads
Those pads contain different materials such as steel wool, iron powder mixed with inorganic fillers, and or copper. It has around 30% and 65% of those materials. Efficiency in heat transfer and duration will increase with these pads. Something to point out, cold conditions will not be helpful to overcome the situation. It will require a substantial endeavor to heat up.
Non-Asbestos Organic brake pads
Mixed components are presented in these pads. Some of the materials are rubber, Kevlar, glass fibers, and carbon. A practical and efficient service braking will be provided in any situation. The differentiation of these pads is that they are usually entirely. Therefore, you must take into consideration that they tend to wear faster and create dirt.
Low-Metallic NAO brake pads
This is highly similar to the Non-Asbestos. The main difference is the metal portion that it has. It fluctuates approximately 10% – 30%. What it occurs is the great improvement of braking and heat dissipation. Thanks to the metal, it can generate different amounts of dirt on the tires and be louder.
Ceramic brake pads
Ceramic fibers, non-ferrous materials, bonding agents, and very small amounts of metals have become the primary materials of these pads. It will help to create high-performance vehicles. Superior braking will be showed comparing with all the different brake taps. This pad is remarkably cleaner and quieter than the other ones, but also they are the most expensive.
How to change brake pads and rotors on a Chevy Silverado
This is a natural process that everyone with the correct guideline can achieve and be a master replacing these parts. This process is divided into different stages and is as follows:
Step # 1: Find a flat surface to work
Park the Silverado in a comfortable place to work on the brakes. A flat surface is a necessity when you are ready to work, place the Silverado in Park or in the first gear and pull the emergency brake. Just to be sure, it is necessary to put a block or brick behind one of the rear wheels.
Step #2: Find an iron bar
Take your iron bar and turn the wheel of nuts in the opposite direction to avoid sticking. But the purpose is not to eliminate them completely yet. First, leave the car so that the tire lifts a few inches off the ground.
Step #3: Place a jack stand and remove the nuts
Place a jack stand under the front of the Silverado. In case the hydraulic jack slips or has a malfunction, the jack stand will save you from a possible injury. Once everything is safe, you can finish removing the wheel and wheel nuts.
Step#4: Identify if the rotor is in good condition
Then, you need to spray both the back and the front sides of the Silverado and the brakes with some brake cleaner. Then inspecting the rotor looks like worn or unevenly. If so, it should be replaced, if the rotor looks good, go ahead and continue with the change only the brake pads.
Step # 5: Remove screws with the clamp
Look at the back of the clamp. You should notice two screws that hold in place. The type of screws will depend on the year of your Chevy Silverado. Some models have regular bolt heads, while others will have hex head screws. You will need the appropriate size sockets or hexagonal wrenches to remove these screws. Start with the lower bolt first and then remove the cover.
Step # 6: Extract the old brakes
Pull the old brake pads from the caliper assembly from the vehicle. You may need a screwdriver to help blow them out. You should take into account, however, how the pads are placed with the clamp. This is since you have to insert the new pads in the same orientation as the original ones.
Step # 7: Press the brake pad against the piston
Compress the caliper and piston. To do this, use the C-clamp and a brake pad. Just press the brake pad against the piston while squeezing the clamp. Continue to tighten the clamp until you have fully compressed the piston. Then remove the C-clamp.
Step # 8: Put the new pads
Put the new brake pads in place. Of course, you have to align the clips with the grooves of the clamp. You should be able to press the pads in place by applying pressure with your thumbs. Once you are sure that the pads are correctly and firmly in place, replace the caliper to the rotor and tighten the two screws.
Step # 9: Put the wheel in place and tighten nuts
Replace the wheel and tighten the nuts as tight as you can in the vehicle. You should use the jack. Then, remove the jack holder and lower the jack. With the Silverado on the ground, you can finish tightening the wheel nuts.
Go to the other side of the truck and change the front brake pads on it using the same methods.
What happens if the brake pads are not in good condition?
Efficiency is one of the things your vehicle can lose if those parts from the system do not repair or changed. Therefore, in order to maintain the excellent quality of your vehicle, you will need to make a general repair of the brake parts. We understand your needs, and we want that you can do it by yourself. For this reason; we will address how to change brake pads and rotors on a Chevy Silverado. It will be beneficial for you! It will save your life!
Moreover, it is very imperative to know what the average lifetime of brake rotors is. For this, we will make a detailed & precise discussion about it. It fluctuates around 10% to 30%.ere.
Conclusion
The brake pads are complementary to the rotors as, together, they make one of the most common brake systems in Chevy Silverado vehicles. They are seeking to ensure that the vehicle stops quickly and efficiently without any problem.
These parts must be in perfect condition to prevent the braking distance from increasing and causing uncomfortable and even dangerous skidding. Preventive maintenance is essential. In view of this, now we believe you have a greater knowledge of how to change brake pads and rotors on a Chevy Silverado. Now, you see how easy this process can be, and you will not need to spend money on it. Do it yourself! It is highly comfortable, and it will not take too much time.