Front Brake Pads: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Inspect fluid level in brake master cylinder.
- If brake fluid level is midway between maximum-full point and minimum allowable level, no brake fluid needs to be removed from reservoir before proceeding.
- If brake fluid level is higher than midway between maximum-full point and minimum allowable level, remove brake fluid to midway point before proceeding.
- Raise and support vehicle.
- Mark wheel in relation to hub. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
- Install and finger-tighten 2 lug nuts with flat side toward rotor to hold rotor when caliper is removed.
- Install large "C" clamp over body of brake caliper with "C" clamp ends against rear of caliper body and against outboard brake pad. See Fig 1.
- Tighten the "C" clamp 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 upper brake caliper guide pin bolt.
- Pivot brake caliper body downward and secure caliper out of way with heavy mechanic's wire or equivalent. Ensure that there is no tension on hydraulic brake flexible hose.
- Remove brake pads from caliper bracket.
- Remove and inspect brake pad retainers from caliper bracket.