The braking system is one of the essential components of any vehicle, the brake rotors are, in turn, the backbone of said system. The lack of maintenance of these parts can have serious consequences on the safety of the car, such as reduced braking effectiveness, vibrations and even premature wear of the other components. That is why in the following article, we will teach you how to identify if the rotors of your Chevrolet Equinox need to be replaced and additionally, you will learn how to carry out the removal and replacement of these parts yourself. Â
Signs to identify Rotor Failure
Some of the most common signs that your car’s rotors need replacement include everything from vibrations in the steering wheel to hard braking, but here are some other signs you can watch for.
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Brringing the vibrations in the steering wheel to mention again, especially when braking. This may be a symptom of worn, warped or damaged rotors. Likewise, these types of failures usually cause irregular wear on the brakes and, in turn, uneven wear on the tires.Â
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High-pitched sounds when braking, especially at high speeds, can also be a sign that your brake rotors need replacing. Typically, deep cracks in the rotor are responsible for this particular sound, which is produced when the brakes make contact.
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When the brake pedal feels very soft or ‘mushy’ when pressed, it may be an indication that the rotors are expired or worn and, as a result, the brakes are not working properly. As a result, braking distances increase.
To summarize, if you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, it is quite likely that the brake rotors on your 3rd Generation Chevrolet Equinox need to be checked and replaced.
Now that we have taught you how to identify some of the signs that indicate rotor failure, we will move on to the step-by-step process of removing and replacing the rotors. Not without first listing the Chevrolet Equinox models to which the following instruction manual corresponds:
- Chevrolet Equinox 2011
- Chevrolet Equinox 2012
- Chevrolet Equinox 2013Â
- Chevrolet Equinox 2014Â
- Chevrolet Equinox 2015Â
- Chevrolet Equinox 2016Â
- Chevrolet Equinox 2017Â
- Chevrolet Equinox 2018
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Tips for Safety and Precaution
- Try to work in a safe and level space. Make sure the vehicle has adequate support.
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes and face.
- Wear heavy duty gloves to protect your hands.
- Verify that the rotors are properly aligned before and after installation.
- While installing, confirm that the rotor bolts are properly torqued according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Once you have everything installed, you can try starting the car and verify with gentle braking.
- Keep the manufacturer’s user manual on hand throughout the process, this way you will avoid any damage.
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Now that you have the necessary advice to maintain safety when performing these procedures, we can move directly to removing the rotors.
Chevrolet Equinox 2011-2018 Rotor Removal
Below is the procedure to remove the brake rotors:
WARNING: Brake Dust Warning
- Raise and support the vehicle. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
- Remove Front Brake Caliper Bracket Bolt (1)

- Remove Front Brake Caliper and Bracket (1)

CAUTION: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanical wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the flexible brake hose to bear the weight of the caliper, which may cause damage to the brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.
- Support the caliper and bracket assembly with heavy mechanics wire.
- Remove Front Brake Rotor Bolt (1)

- Remove Front Brake Rotor (1)

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Equinox 3rd Gen Installation Procedure
Below are the steps to follow to install the rotors:
- Thoroughly clean any rust or corrosion from the mating surface of the hub/axle flange.
NOTE: Whenever the brake rotor has been separated from the hub/axle flange, any rust or contaminates should be cleaned from the hub/axle flange and the brake rotor mating surfaces. Failure to do this may result in excessive assembled lateral runout (LRO) of the brake rotor, which could lead to brake pulsation.
- Thoroughly clean any rust or corrosion from the mating surface and mounting surface of the brake rotor.
- Inspect the mating surfaces of the hub/axle flange and the rotor to ensure there are no foreign particles or debris remaining.
- Install Front Brake Rotor (1)

- Install Front Brake Rotor Bolt (1) and tighten 9 N.m (80 lb in)

- Install Front Brake Caliper and Bracket (1)

- Prepare the brake caliper bracket bolts and the bracket threaded holes for assembly:
- Thoroughly clean the residue from the bolt threads with denatured alcohol and allow to dry.
- Thoroughly clean the residue from the threaded holes with denatured alcohol and allow to dry.
- Apply threadlocker to 2/3 of the threaded length of the bolts. Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers
- Install Front Brake Caliper Bracket Bolt (1) and tighten
- First Pass:150 N.m (111 lb ft)
- Final Pass:15-30 degrees
- Install the tire and wheel assembly. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
- Burnish the brake pads and rotors. Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing

Brake rotors are an important component of the braking system and should be examined on a regular basis to maintain optimal operation. If you see any of the above symptoms, you should take your car to a reputable mechanic for an inspection to determine if the rotors need to be replaced. We strongly propose AutoTech Mobile Mechanic, brake system repair experts who work for the comfort, safety, and quality of your vehicle’s maintenance.If you choose to conduct the removal and installation yourself, remember to follow the guidelines and precautions listed above, and always consult your owner’s handbook or manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you’re doing everything right. Chevrolet Equinox brake rotors can last a long time and give ideal performance for your vehicle if properly maintained and cared for.
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