Brake Pads: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- 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, then not 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, then remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
- Install and firmly hand tighten 2 wheel nuts to opposite wheel studs in order to retain the rotor to the hub. Install a large C-clamp over the body of the brake caliper with the C-clamp ends against the rear of the caliper body and against the outboard brake pad.
- Tighten the C-clamp evenly until the caliper piston is compressed into the caliper bore enough to allow the caliper to slide past the brake rotor. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.
- Fully loosen the caliper bolts from the steering knuckle. Without disconnecting the hydraulic brake flexible hose, remove the caliper assembly from the steering knuckle. Support the caliper with heavy mechanic's wire, or equivalent.
- Remove the brake pads from the caliper. Remove the disc brake caliper bolts from the caliper assembly. See Figure .
- Inspect the caliper bolts for rust, corrosion and/or damage. If the bolts are rusty, corroded, and/or damaged, replace the bolts and replace the bushings. See DISC BRAKE HARDWARE .