Probably a stupid question, but better safe than sorry. I have a friend that needs new brake pads on the rear of their blazer, and I don't want to look too stupid. I've replaced a few brake pads on: 2003 malibu, grand am, minivan, and a few others, but they were all in the front. Is the disc brake set up the same in the rear on an S-10 Blazer? Any special tools? Basically, one bolt and the caliper swings up and the pads can be easily removed. I do realize that I have to compress the piston and all that other minor stuff.
Thanks, Jimmy

Actually just 2 bolts to remove and the caliper comes right off. Very easy job to do (I did 98 Jimmy 4x4, same stuff). No parking brake mechanism on the caliper either. If the rotor needs changing/cutting, then 2 more bolts to remove the bracket. One of the easier setups out there. Randy

Thanks Randy!!!

I don't know if it the same on your application, but on my 95' Grand Prix the read discs have one differance. Instead of using a c-clamp to depress the piston(s) the piston is screwed in.

Your supposed loosen the brake line and then screw the piston down. My first time I used a pair a needle nose pliers to spin the piston. After that I bought the socket.

When you compress the piston on the rear discs you need to use a special tool to PUSH & ROTATE the piston in because of the parking brake setup. If you just compress the piston straight into the caliper like you do on the front discs the parking brake may not work when you're done. You use this tool with a 3/8" or 1/2" drive ratchet to twist the piston while compressing it. See Tool (http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=278)

Jay,
That tool is only needed if the parking brake mechanism is an integril part of the rear caliper.Its not needed for this repair,on a Blazer the parking brake is a drum brake shoe that fits inside of the rear rotor.
Jimmy,
Before you compress the piston open the bleed screw,once the piston is all the way in close the bleeder.This will prevent any crud in the fluid from getting into any of the ABS components and causing any costly damage.When you're done a simple gravity bleed will remove any air that got in when you did this.

Jay,
That tool is only needed if the parking brake mechanism is an integril part of the rear caliper.Its not needed for this repair,on a Blazer the parking brake is a drum brake shoe that fits inside of the rear rotor.

Thanks for the correction. Didn't know this specific application was different. Guess I was thinking most later model vehicles with rear discs were of a similar setup with regards to the parking brake and caliper, but I guess that's why I always need to check a service manual before doing any work. It's still a good tool to have if you're going to be doing brakes often, especially on other vehicles where you may need it. I know you can find the tool cheaper.

Thanks a lot guys, you have been very helpful!!! Auto Zone will let me borrow the tool for a $35.00 deposit.

Jimmy.

A BIG problem with these Blazers and the other GM SUV body styles like this. ( Bravada, GMC Jimmy) is that when you get the caliper off the rotor really wants to fight big time.... They really become a pain to get off because of the parking brake shoes getting hung up from behind. So far 90% of rear brakes I have done on one of these (I work in the repair field) have had stubborn rear brake rotors that wont come off easily.

If you run into this problem and you may get lucky and not. Take 2 good screw drivers or a couple of pry bars and pry in oppisite ends to even out the force and push it off straight. Look behind the rotor and try not bend up the backing plate (easier said then done) because it will rub on the new rotor if you dont straighten it out after you wrestle the old rotors off.

Chris R
I had a hard time getting the rotor off the Jimmy. It was actually hung up at the center hole, rusted to the axle flange. The brake shoe wasn't holding it at all (wife uses parking brake every time she parks). Some heat and solvent and it came off. Used anti-seize to prevent any more problems.
Randy

Jobs done:thumbsup:
Thanks for all the help guys!!!