2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Disc Brake Service (My First Time!)

[Tom Trujillo]

This is the first time that I plan I doing the front brakes on my '97 2500 myself and I was going through the '97 Factory Service Manual and I thought I would ask a question or two.



1. Can I assume that the 2500 has the tapered bearings and the 1500 has the unit bearings

?

2. Step 9 on page 5-26 (tapered bearings section) goes as follows: Continue rotating wheel and back off adjusting nut until end play is no more than 0. 025 to 0. 051mm. What exactly is "end play" and how the heck do I measure this?



Are there any tips or tricks not evident in the book that I should be aware of?



Thanks in advance.



Tom

 

[SMorneau]

The 2500 4x4 has unit bearings. I just took mine off yesterday. One fell off and the other was seized. A big screwdriver pounded like a wedge between the disk and the steering knuckle knocked it loose.



You will need a press or a big hammer (find a press!) to press studs in and out to replace the disk. You will also need a 14mm 12 point socket for the hub bolts. All this assumes it is like my 96.



Disk prices run from about $75 to $100 each for a quality disk. I priced them today. Based on post on this site, I called Tirerack who had good prices one EBC and Brembo rotors. Don't use junk.

 

[Extreme1]

You have the unit bearings. I don't mess with the rotors unless they need replacement. If they need turning, get them turned on the truck, It's very difficult to turn them off the truck and get them straight.

 

[Tom Trujillo]

WOW - Good to know. I would have taken them off.

 

[Howard Durand]

I just replaced the pads on my 94. This is the second replacement since new. Over 100k miles and still using the original rotors and they have never been turned. In my opinion, if they are smooth and no runout, leave them alone.