Corellian Corvette

Wondering how hard it is to change pads on the Z? I'm thinking about upgrading to Hawk/Durastop pads and figure it's worth it if I don't have to take the car in (I only have 4K on the ODO).

Thoughts? This someting you could do with a jack and hand tools?

bowtiebandit

Simple task, takes about 45 minutes to complete.

VettTheRipper

I installed the Hawk HPS pads this past weekend (front only). Getting the car jacked and R&Ring the wheels is the longest part of the job.

gmblack3

Brake Pads Replacement - Front

Removal Procedure

Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
If the brake fluid level is midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, no brake fluid needs to be removed from the reservoir before proceeding.
If the brake fluid level is higher than midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.

Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
Hand tighten a wheel lug nut to a wheel stud to secure the rotor to the hub.

Install large C-clamp (2) over the body of the brake caliper (1) with the C-clamp ends against the rear of the caliper body and against the outboard brake pad.
Tighten the C-clamp (2) evenly until the caliper pistons are compressed into the caliper bores enough to allow the caliper to slide past the brake rotor.
Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.




Remove the upper brake caliper guide pin bolt. 15 and 18mm wrenches needed




Pivot the brake caliper body downward and secure the caliper out of the way with heavy mechanic's wire or equivalent; ensure that there is no tension on the hydraulic brake flexible hose. Do NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper.




Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket.
Remove and inspect the brake pad retainers from the caliper bracket.


Installation Procedure
Inspect the caliper slide boots for cuts, tears, or deterioration. If damaged, replace the slides and the boots. Refer to Disc Brake Hardware Replacement - Front .

Install large C-clamp (1) over the body of the brake caliper (3) with the C-clamp ends against the rear of the caliper body and against an old inboard brake pad (2) or a wood block installed against the caliper pistons.
Tighten the C-clamp (1) evenly until the caliper pistons are compressed completely into the caliper bores.
Remove the C-clamp and the old brake pad or wood block from the caliper.

Install the brake pad retainers to the caliper bracket.
Install the brake pads to the caliper bracket. The brake pad wear sensor, mounted on the inboard brake pad, must be positioned so that it is in the trailing position during forward rotation of the brake rotor.
Pivot the brake caliper upward, over the brake pads and into the caliper bracket.

Install the upper brake caliper guide pin bolt. Tighten
Tighten the brake caliper guide pin bolt to 31 N·m (23 lb ft).

Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

Lower the vehicle.

With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.

Slowly release the brake pedal.

Wait 15 seconds, then repeat these steps until a firm brake pedal apply is obtained; this will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.

Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.

neile

I did mine this weekend. Easy and the results are great. Put on Raybestos QS pads all around, washed the wheels inside and out, drove accross town and back (20 miles) and no dust. Before at 1600 miles, I would have to get out the duster and go around the car after every trip.

Neil

Corellian Corvette

Thanks for the great instructions!

Greg H

Nice pics. Thanks! :cheers:

TomZ06

Thanks for the great instructions. I really need to do this too.
This break dust problem is driving me nuts.

ruking1

While you have the Vette on jackstands and if your brake fluid is either dirty or is going on the 2 year and/older mark, it is a perfect time to change the brake fluid. I used a pressure bleeder, but the old two man effort still works well! Once you have the Vette on jackstands it took 20 mins tops! As a matter of fact you can bleed the brakes without jacking!

Cleaning the inside of the rims WAS absolutely back breaking!!

I was going to change my pads but there was plenty of pad surface left





[Modified by ruking1, 9:09 PM 5/6/2003]