Brakes - Vette / Silverado
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 0
From: Nanaimo, BC
Brakes - Vette / Silverado
Hey folks,
So in addition to owing my 91 steel blue metallic coupe, I also have a 2002 Chev Silverado. I have never done the brakes on any of the vehicles that I have owned, but the knowledge I have gained on the forum since buying my vette has helped to encourage me to take on many new projects I wouldn't have previously considered. I have read on the forum that repalcing the brake pads on our vettes is a very easy job.
My question is whether it should be just as easy to do them on my Silverado. I'd like to do this myself if I can, not only to leanr but also to save some $$$. Can I follow the basic steps outlined in the tech. tips for replacing the pads on a Corvette? I can't see how it would be much, if at all different. I appreciate any input or suggestions. Thanks
So in addition to owing my 91 steel blue metallic coupe, I also have a 2002 Chev Silverado. I have never done the brakes on any of the vehicles that I have owned, but the knowledge I have gained on the forum since buying my vette has helped to encourage me to take on many new projects I wouldn't have previously considered. I have read on the forum that repalcing the brake pads on our vettes is a very easy job.
My question is whether it should be just as easy to do them on my Silverado. I'd like to do this myself if I can, not only to leanr but also to save some $$$. Can I follow the basic steps outlined in the tech. tips for replacing the pads on a Corvette? I can't see how it would be much, if at all different. I appreciate any input or suggestions. Thanks
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Probably very easy on the Silverado as well, most disk brake systems are very straightforward. The mechanism that holds the caliper in place can potentially be different but certainly nothing too hard to figure out.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,962
Likes: 708
From: WI
Sure give it a try! When you work on the 'vette front though, don't expect the SUV to be that easy! 
For mine, pull the pin and it's wham bam, done! The rear you actually have to remove a bolt. 
The brakes are easy and fun, IMO. Maybe lube some zerks while your there?
Oh yeah, maybe change the break fluid to? If you don't have a pump, soak out the oil fluid with a rag!
For mine, pull the pin and it's wham bam, done! The rear you actually have to remove a bolt. The brakes are easy and fun, IMO. Maybe lube some zerks while your there?Oh yeah, maybe change the break fluid to? If you don't have a pump, soak out the oil fluid with a rag!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,908
Likes: 735
From: Southwest Kansas
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Unmodified
2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
Smack, I have a 99 Silverado Z71. I have looked at the rear disks and they don't appear to be too much different than the Vette. Fronts on GM's are pretty straight forward, the rears are a little different. Just be glad they aren't drums they can be a PITA, with all the little springs and fastners.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 0
From: Nanaimo, BC
Originally Posted by teebee1994
Smack, I have a 99 Silverado Z71. I have looked at the rear disks and they don't appear to be too much different than the Vette. Fronts on GM's are pretty straight forward, the rears are a little different. Just be glad they aren't drums they can be a PITA, with all the little springs and fastners.
Bahhh!!! Well after all that, I stop after work, buy the brake pads, come home, jack up the truck, pull of the front wheels.....only to find that the pads on both fronts are in excellent condition. Damnit! Checked the rears as well (though I was sure the squeal was coming from the fronts) but they are in great shape as well. Nowhere near the wear-indicator clip. I've only owned the truck for a few months.
I'm confused though because this is your textbook case of apply the brakes and hear the wear-indicator squeal.... Any thoughts on what to check next? The previous owner has installed those little almost flat clips on the wheel studs against the rotors, on 2 o the 6 studs on both fronts. I know people sometimes install those if they have a squeak. Could this be part of my problem?
