haven't been on in awhile. Over the summer i put in a 3" big blue lift kit and an ARB brush-guard. Along with that, i put on a roof rack with two 7" hellas on the front with a work light on the back. I also put a CB in for talking with my buddies. Im putting new brake pads in tomorrow before i go back to school and saw that there is a special socket needed to remove the rear calipers?? its shaped like a star bit but has more sides...does anyone know what i mean? i believe it holds the calipers to the rear hub? Thanks for the help!
Kyle

 

What year truck? On my '98, you don't have to remove the calipers to replace the pads. On a D2, i believe all you need is the correct size 12pt socket.

 

its a 97...so if i dont remove the calipers..is there a special way to return the piston into the caliper? thanks again

 

If they're( there's 2, an inside and outside one) not too sticky or frozen, you should be able to push them in with a large screwdriver, racthet handle,etc. Otherwise, you need a c-clamp with a thin front jaw on it. I just took a regular c-clamp and ground the strenghtening rib off the front so it'd fit down in.

 

Ok cool. Sounds like a pretty simple job of removing the cotter pins, pulling the old pads out, opening the brake reservoir lid, and squeezing the pistons back into the original position and dropping new pads into place? I will keep that c-clamp idea in mind for sure! if you have any other tips that would be cool as well. Thanks
Kyle

 

Nope, it's that easy. By far easiest pad job I've done. As long as the pistons slide nice-n-easy. I'll add, some say to crack open the bleeder screw instead of pushing old fluid back into the reservoir.

 

cool! thanks for the quick response. Im sure i will be back soon with more maintenance questions since rovers are always in need of work.

 

i'll fill in for disco mike: use lots of sound deadening spray to prevent brake squeak.

 

Don't do a brake job if you haven't also repacked the wheeling bearing and in the case of the front brakes, serviced and adjusted your swivel joint. Not servicing your truck properly will cost you big in the long run.