C5 Maintenance Questions
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1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
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C5 Maintenance Questions
I am working on my 60 y.o. Mom's 2002 C5 with 40k. She purchased the car new and has done no maintenance except for tires and oil. This car is barely driven and she never abuses the thing -therefore, I wanted to go with OEM parts.
I intend to perform some basic maintenance and wanted some help selecting brakes:
I see lots of performance improvements, but the OEM brakes seem to have worked well for her. The front brake pads are something like $180 and the rotors are $90 each. Is there an aftermarket pad that's equivalent to the OEM in terms of brake dust, noise, wear, etc? Also, what about rotors for the front and rear?
Is there a reliable source online for discount GM parts?
Thank you for the help,
Jon
I intend to perform some basic maintenance and wanted some help selecting brakes:
I see lots of performance improvements, but the OEM brakes seem to have worked well for her. The front brake pads are something like $180 and the rotors are $90 each. Is there an aftermarket pad that's equivalent to the OEM in terms of brake dust, noise, wear, etc? Also, what about rotors for the front and rear?
Is there a reliable source online for discount GM parts?
Thank you for the help,
Jon
Drifting
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From: Holly, Michigan
Tech Contributor
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Unless the rotors are very worn, have severe heat cracks or warped,,,,,why would you replace them. Ive went thru two sets of front pads on my 98 and never had to replace the rotors. They were fine. If they are on good shape, just slap another set of pads on it.
If you need to replace the rotors,,,NAPA has the absolute best price on OEM rotors!! They also have a premimum rotor for a little more money!!!!
They give you a military or AAA 10% discount also!!!
If you need to replace the rotors,,,NAPA has the absolute best price on OEM rotors!! They also have a premimum rotor for a little more money!!!!
They give you a military or AAA 10% discount also!!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I AGREE!!
If you need a OEM GM part,,, GENE CULLEY is the best guy to get that part from!! www.gmpartshouse.com
If you need a OEM GM part,,, GENE CULLEY is the best guy to get that part from!! www.gmpartshouse.com
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 628
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From: Columbia SC
C5 brake work
No need to pay those GM prices for pads. Shop your local parts houses, esp. NAPA. Rotors should be fine unless she is a brake rider. Any pulsing or throbbing at the pedal when you step on it? If not, and no scoring on the surface, your rotors should be O. K. for another set of pads. I myself like the softest, non-metal pads I can find as they are easiest on rotors for someone who does not need track-type performance from their brakes. Regards, Ralph Boineau in central South Carolina
Tech Contributor
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
You should be able to get the GM pad kit for a reasonable cost. The GM kit comes with the pads, caliper clips/springs and replacement guide pin bolts. Most aftermarket sets you only get the pads and have to pay extra for the hardware. If not showing any heat check cracks, no grooves and still above minimum thickness the rotors should still be fine.
Bill
Bill
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
With only 40k easy driven miles on it, the rear pads should still have a lot of miles still left on them. 
I would just replace the front pads, using GM original equipment brake pads, at this time.
I also agree with Bill Curlee, that the original front rotors should still be fine with just a new set of pads on them.
I would just replace the front pads, using GM original equipment brake pads, at this time.
I also agree with Bill Curlee, that the original front rotors should still be fine with just a new set of pads on them.
