How to Change Brake Pads on a Chevy

The brake pads on your Chevy vehicle should be changed at a maximum of 60,000 miles, but modern driving conditions can force them to be changed even sooner. Brake pads are used with brake discs, which are used on at least the front wheels on every model. When the brakes are worn down, they will reduce the car's ability to stop and possibly damage other parts of the brakes. You need to change all the brake pads together so the car can stop evenly.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Siphon
• Jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Torque wrench
• Brake cleaner
• Anti-squeal compound
• C-clamp or piston installation tool
• Brake pads

1. Siphon out half the fluid in the brake master cylinder and disconnect the negative battery cable as precautions. Raise the front end of the Chevy on jack stands and remove the wheels.

2. Remove one of the mounting bolts or guide pins holding the caliper to the disc using a wrench and pivot the caliper to find the brake pads within. On most models, remove the lower bolt and pivot the caliper upward.

3. Remove and discard the brake pads from the caliper mounting bracket--there is one pad on each side of the disc. Remove the shims and retaining clips that help the pads, but do not discard them.

4. Clean the shims and retainers with brake cleaner. Apply an anti-squeal compound to the retainers and the backing plates on the shims, then reinstall them within the mounting bracket.

5. Compress the caliper piston back into its bore. This can often be done with a C-clamp. On some models like the Malibu, a special piston installation tool is recommended.

6. Install the new brake pads into the caliper mounting bracket. Pivot the caliper back into position on the bracket and reinstall its mounting bolt/guide pin.

7. Replace the wheels, lower the vehicle, refill the master cylinder and connect the battery cable once the brakes are changed on both sides. Start the engine and seat the brakes by pumping the pedal until it feels firm.

Tips & Warnings

• Some Chevy models like the Camaro use discs and brakes on the rear wheels also, so changing them is the same.
• If badly worn bake pads have caused deep grooves or other damage on the brake disc, have the disc refinished or replace it immediately.

References

• Chilton General Motors Mechanical Service; 2006

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