I would like to know how to inspect the brake pads. Also, I have searched but cant find any how toos on how to replace them. Can any one give a step by step?

 

I just had mine done. The pads start of at about 1/4 inch think and mine were down to about 1/32 inch left. I watched the guy change them and also turn the drum and it took him about an hour. It did not look like it was any fun, he needed a braker bar to loosen somthing up and the pads are a Heavy Duty Type, different from normal truck pads. Cost me $200 at Discount Tire but was worth it and they are lifetime . I hope someone can help you more.

 

I just replaced my fronts for the first time, really easy job. Took about an hour. All you do is take off the tire, remove the two caliper bolts, gently pry caliper off then secure the caliper so it doesn't hang by the lines. Then slide the pads out, replace anti rattle clips, slide new pads in. Place old pad across piston cups on caliper put a c clamp on it and compress pistons. Then you put caliper back on. You will need to push the rubber boots in that the caliper bolts go through or they will hang up. There is a write up with pics in the FAQ that helped me out. I used the oem pads from the dealer cost about $100. I got 92,000 out of the originals and there was still plenty of pad left just had some squealing. New pads no squeal.

 

Thanks for the reply. I thought I read about needing to open some bleeder valve so as to not hurt the abs when you compress the pistons? Any info on that? Also, Can you help me find the article in the FAQ. I looked for the first time just now. I dont know where to find articles.

 

I read some where you shouldn't push the fluid back up thru the anti-lock device, you should open the bleeder and then push the piston back. Anyone know anything about it?

 

Done front and rear I just open the reservoir cap before compressing the piston dont forget to put cap back on reservoir and pump brakes before you put it in gear and go through your garage wall.

 

I read a post on another forum and those guys were very adamant about opening the bleeder before pushing the caliper in. I have never done that before on any other vehicles. I looked at the service manual for our trucks and it didn't mention it either. Sounds like folk lore to me.