How do you get the rotors off to replace the front brake pads and rotors on a 2004 Silverado 4wd?

Answer 1

I just did this the other day om ny 2004 silverado. Once the tires are off, remove the brake calipers. There are two "star bolts" on the rear of the caliper (top and bottom). Remove these bolts using a T-55 socket bit. Then lift the caliper up to remove it. you might have to move it back and forth to get it out of place since the pistons are compressed against the brake bads. After it is loose, you have to support the caliper so you don't put pressure on the brake lines. I used a coathanger to support it so it doesn't dangle. Just wrap the coathanger around the caliper and tie it to something underneath so it doesn't fall. Then you need to remove the caliper mounting bracket. There are 2 bolts holding this on (top and bottom). They are 18mm bolts and they are on VERY tight. I got them off using an impact wrench and hammering on an 18mm large open end wrench. Make sure you use the "box" side of the open end wrench so you don't strip the bolts. Once those are off, the caliper mounting bracket will come off and you can remove the rotor. The hardest part of this job was taking off those 18mm caliper mounting bracket bolts. Hope this helps.