C6 Corvette: How to change the brake pads

Equipment you will need:

Car jack

Jack stands

Torque wrench

C-clamp

Mechanical wire

Brake cleaner

2 Inboard brake pads

2 Outboard brake pads

15 and 18mm wrenches

Front

1) Check the level of the brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir. The fluid should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it is above the maximum, remove enough brake fluid so that the fluid in the reservoir is between these two marks.

2) Raise the front of the Corvette (refer to owner’s manual). Support the car with jack stands.

3) Remove the tire and wheel (refer to owner’s manual).

4) In order to attach the rotor to the hub, turn a lug nut onto a wheel stud and hand tighten.

5) Place a large C-clamp over the brake caliper body so that the ends of the clamp are against the outboard brake pad and the rear of the caliper body. Tighten the C-clamp so the caliper pistons are pressed into the caliper bores just enough so the caliper can slide past the brake rotor. Remove the C-clamp.

6) Using the 15 and 18mm wrenches, remove the upper brake caliper guide pin bolt.

7) Rotate the brake caliper body downward, then secure the caliper so it is out of the way using heavy mechanic’s wire or similar material. Make sure there is no tension on the flexible brake hose; do not break hose.

8) Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket.

9) Remove the brake pad retainers from the caliper bracket and inspect them.

Installation

1) Examine the caliper slides and boots for tears, cuts and deterioration. If they are damaged, replace them.

2) Mount a large C-clamp over the body of the brake caliper with the ends of the C-clamp on a wood block installed against the caliper pistons and against the back of the caliper body. Tighten the C-clamp until the pistons are pressing fully into the bores. Remove the C-clamp and the wood block from the caliper.

3) Mount the brake pad retainers to the caliper bracket.

4) Mount the brake pads to the caliper bracket. Position the pad wear sensor, located on the inboard brake pad, so it is in the trailing location as the brake moves forward. Turn the caliper up, over the brake pad and into the bracket.

5) Mount the upper brake caliper guide pin bolt. Use your torque wrench and tighten to 23 lb. ft. (31 N?m).

6) Mount wheel/tire assembly. Lower the Corvette.

7) With the ignition in the OFF position, slowly depress the brake pedal to about two-thirds of its travel; then gradually release the pedal.

8) After fifteen seconds, repeat the above procedure until the brake pedal feels firm. This properly seats the pads and caliper pistons.

9) Fill the master cylinder to the correct level (refer to your owner’s manual or a repair guide).

Rear

1) Open the hood of the car and disconnect the negative battery cable.

2) Break free the lug nuts on the rear tires and loosen slightly. Jack up the rear of the Corvette and place jack stands underneath. Remove the lug nuts and then the tires from the car.

3) Fasten a large C-clamp onto the caliper. Make certain the ends of the clamp push against the back of the caliper and the outboard pad. Tighten the C-clamp so that it presses the piston into the bore. Remove the C-clamp.

4) Unfasten the upper caliper bolt. Rotate the caliper in a downward motion until there is enough space to take off the pads. Use mechanical wire to attach the caliper to the Corvette frame.

5) Detach the pad and the lining assemblies. Clean the parts of the caliper and mounting bracket that come in contact with the pads and lining.

6) Mount the outboard pads, making sure the insulator is against the caliper housing. Mount the inboard pads, making sure the sensors are against the caliper pistons. Detach the caliper from the Corvette frame and place it over the brake pads. Use your torque wrench to tighten the upper bolt to 23 lb. ft. (31 N?m).

7) Remount the tires and wheels. Lower the vehicle. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Check the reservoir and replace brake fluid if necessary.