Front Brake Pads: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and 2002 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 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, then remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Hand tighten two wheel lug nuts in order to retain the rotor to the hub assembly.
- Push the piston into the caliper bore to provide clearance between the pads and the rotor for caliper removal. Install a large C-clamp over the top of the caliper housing and against the back of the outboard pad. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston pushes into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper off the rotor. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.
- Remove the caliper bolts. Remove the caliper from the knuckle. Suitably support the caliper. Remove the pads from the caliper. Inspect the caliper bolts for corrosion or damage. Use new parts, including bushings, when installing the caliper if any corrosion is found. Do not attempt to polish away corrosion.