Brake Work
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands TX
Brake Work
I know this might be dumb, but I've never worked on it before. How hard is it going to be for me to replace my own brakes? I read several threads about different options for rotors and pads. What parts and tools will I need in order to remove the original brakes and replace. Sorry, never done a brake job. Any help would be most appreciated.
Tyler
Tyler
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,394
Likes: 6
From: Melbourne FL
It's really not that hard. You will need a large breaker bar to remove the bracket mounting bolts. THey are set to 125 ft lbs. And you need a torque wrench for the installation of the bracket and caliper. The caliper is torqued to 31 ft lbs.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 30
well be careful with the rear ones, because I did mine today and the parking brake came off with the rotor, so now the retaining spring inside it is being a PITA to put back in correctly. I'll have to try again tomorrow..
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
I know the Hanes manuals kind of stink but in your case, with no prior experience, it might be worth spending $20 on a manual, just to get you through the basics. There's nothing too difficult about it but brakes are pretty important and you don't want to screw it up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 3
From: Iowa City Iowa
A buddy and I just replaced my rotors and pads. He has done many brake jobs and stated that the Vette brakes were very easy to do. My rotors simply came off without any pressure required even with 66k miles. I will say it was great to have someone with experience helping me due to the old saying "the devil is in the details". Using the caliber grease on the slide pins in the correct amount is important, as well as snapping the rear brake pads in is a bit tricky. I wouldn't do my brakes the 1st time without a experienced friend or some good instructions.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands TX
I have the 2002 GM Manual for the Vette for instructions, but have no one with experience which is sad. I called to ask some local shops how much it would cost to have them do it and they were going to charge $500 for the labor. Thereby, I decided that I would try this myself. I figured it couldn't be too bad. Any pointers would be appreciated. The GM guide is good, but I'm not sure if there is any difference between the 2002 and 2004 (I'm guessing not).
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