I got really short notice from the truck and the front brakes started grinding. So I bought new rotors and pads. I am following my helm manual to do this procedure. One part that isn't clear to me is once the hub/rotor assembly is off, how do I separate the rotor and hub, and how do I reassemble? See this for pics:

http://96chevytruck.blogspot.com/

Take it to a machine shop where they turn brake rotors. It'll save you a lot of hassle:grd:

will they press it out or something?

how do i put it back together. . . machine shop?

If my memory serves me correctly you need to remove the wheel studs and the hub and rotor should come apart. If you put a lug nut on a stud and drive it out with a large hammer it should not damage the studs. Also once you get the new rotor and hub together you should get them turned to true them. I skipped the last step once and had to take them off and get them turned. Good Luck

OK I am ready to put the hub/rotor assembly back on but can't get the spindle to go in to the center of the hub. I had to use a gear puller to get the thing off. How do I put it back on?

I've done this a few times and the first time I diddle ficked with it 'till I figured it out. iirc I pushed the front drive shaft back (it will move on the cv joints) then reinserted it into the hub. It will most likely help to detach the outer tierod for full movement of the spindle.

Kl8ton, how did you get the hub and disc apart?

By removing the studs. It only takes a tap or two with the right persuader. When you put it back together be careful to seat the studs well, or you may not get enough torque on them when you tighten the lugnuts.

By removing the studs. It only takes a tap or two with the right persuader. When you put it back together be careful to seat the studs well, or you may not get enough torque on them when you tighten the lugnuts.
Thanks QM, now I don't have to guess because my turn is coming soon:(

Yes, I used a hammer on the studs to get them out. I put a lug nut back on so it was just about flush with the edge of the bolt so I didn't mash the threads of the lug bolt.

QM, you said to be careful to seat the studs well. Should I have used a press? They didn't go in well at all. I put the studs in and put a washer over them and then used a lug to snug it up. I tightened the lug as hard as i could. ALL of the studs are about 1/4" from being seated what I would call "all the way. I just figured that's how it was. I dindn't pay attention to how far they were seated when I removed them.

Did you use an impact gun to suck them back in??

I put the rotor/hub assy on a vice and used a hammer to drive the studs flush with the rotor. if you have a gap between the stud & rotor , you wight want to check your lug nuts a couple of times (after driving to ensure that they don't come loose and that they did bottom out)
Nick

They need to seat all the way in. I press them to save damage to the studs, but, if careful, you can drive them in with a brass drift and a big hammer.

They need to seat all the way in. I press them to save damage to the studs, but, if careful, you can drive them in with a brass drift and a big hammer.

Looks like I will be pulling the wheels back off and pulling the hub/rotor off and make sure they are seated all the way. What does a shop charge for this job? I would imagine it to be in the neighborhood of $400+

What I think happened with my truck is the dealer threw new pads on corroded and warped rotors. They were terrible!

Most local auto parts stores have a press available. I use my local store's press for a small fee. Usually, they don't even charge me if it's just a short job. I do, however, buy all my parts from them. This opens some doors. When they do charge me for using shop tools, it's in the $20 range, added to my parts bill. They let me turn rotors on their lathe for $7 ea!

FYI, I took the hub/rotor assembly back off and found that when I torqued the wheels back on, the studs sat down where they needed to be. I took the oportunity to grease the spindles and pack the wheel bearings. I hope to make a step by step thread of this procedure so everyone can do their front brakes.

:clap: That would be excellent.

I hope to make a step by step thread of this procedure so everyone can do their front brakes.
Please):h

I agree... that would be great... have a set of rotors just sitting at home waiting for installation. :help: