98 Z71 4X4 rotors

[wolfehunter]

Hi all. Just registered today and this is my first post. Looks like there is some good information on this site and some knowledgeable, helpful people. hopefully I can learn a few things and maybe help some others. The rotors on my 98 Z71 extended cab 4X4 need replaced. I picked some up at NAPA and thought I woudl try and do this myself. I've replaced brake pads but never had to do the rotors. Is this a difficult job? Any tips?

thanks,
Scott

[Jimbo74]

if you can change the pads theres nothin to doin rotors.

[Z71_guy]

just wash them off with dish soap or use brake clean to get the oil and metal shavings from manufacturing off

[wolfehunter]

Is it absolutely necessary to replace the pads when replacing the rotors? If rotors are warped and vibrating during braking does that mean the pads are shot too? Thanks

[vncj96]

Take them to a good shop and they can check the rotors, they may only need to be resurfaced saving you alot of money. Like someone said before make sure you clean the rotors before you put the pads on, any oil from your hand can make you rotors under perform.

[Z71_guy]

you dont have to replace the pads when you change the rotors but it is recommended, if they are more than 50% worn then i would def replace the pads

[wolfehunter]

Thanks for the great advice. Very helpful if you've never done them before.

[wolfehunter]

Took care of putting the new rotors on last night. cleaned them off with dish detergent as suggested. What a difference! No more teeth chattering vibration when coming to a stop. The pads looked good so I'm leaving them on for now. Planning an elk hunt in Colorado this fall and I'll be pulling a trailer up and over the Rockies so I'm thinking about resurfacing the warped rotors and throwing them on before the trip. The trip last fall killed them originally as the one guy rode the brakes pretty hard while I was sleeping in the back!!