How to: Disk Brakes - Pad Replacement

[92CamaroRS]

Ok I changed my brake pads yesturday and i thought maybe some of you would like to know how to do it if you didn't know before. Here is how:

1. Jack side of car to be worked on.
2. Remove wheel from car.
3. Find a T55 Torx bit and remove the Two(2) torx bolts from back side of caliper.(Note: They will not come all the way out and don't try. just get them plenty loose.)
4. After removing torx bolts pull caliper off.(Note: Caliper may need some force i.e. get a hammer and hit it. not hard but enugh to get it off.)
5. Pull outside brake pad off then the inside.
6. Replace inside brake pad first then with a large C-clamp push it in all the way.
7. Replace outside brake pad.
8. Replace caliper on rotor(Note: May need to use a few lug nuts to hold the rotor in place.) (Note: Once again the caliper may need some force.)
9. Tighten down the Two(2) Torx bolts.
10. Replace wheel.
11. Take car off of jack.
12. Break the Brake pads in.
13. After a few miles check lug nut tightness.

As some might believe that you have to bleed the brakes after you do this. You do not have to. You didn't do anything allowing air into the system so your fine. When you first start the car pump the brakes a few times to build the pressure back up tho.


Well that should help alot. Now this was on my 1993 GAGT and the torx bit may be a different size on newer cars but should be the same on all 92-95 and most likely on 96-98 also.

[Gimli]

A few VERY important things:

1. Before doing anything remove the cap from the power brake liquid tank. If you don't you may create too much pressure in the system when you compress the pistons and make something leak. Also check the power brake liquid level before you take on the road.

2. Never use the C-clamp directly on the piston, put a piece of wood across the piston to make sure the clamp doesn't damage it and you don't push one side harder than the other.

3. If the caliper doesn't want to come off, DON'T HIT IT WITH A HAMMER! Use the C-clamp to compress the pad a little and the caliper should slide right off.

4. It IS possible to get air in the lines, even with as simple a procedure as that. Make sure you get a good braking pressure before you go on the road by driving very slow speed and stopping. Make sure your hand brake works too in case of emergency.

Don't assume there's no air in the brake lines, safety is more important than convenience.

These come from the service manual before you ask... :D