Front caliper replacement help
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
Front caliper replacement help
Does anyone know what hardware, if any, MUST be replaced on the front calipers when replacing pads? What are the torque specs for the bolts? And does it matter what pads or inner or outer? The dealer's "fix" (red adhesive stuff) for the squeel on my Z51 didn't work that well, so I'm replacing them myself with ceramic pads today.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,774
Likes: 0
From: Loganville GA
If the new pads have a metal tab on them to indicate wear, they go on the inside. Nothings ~has~ to be replaced, but GM says you should replace the bolts that mount the calipers to the brackets. I reuse them all the time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,588
Likes: 6
From: Montreal Qc
Torque specs are: 23 ft lbs for the "caliper guide pin bolt" which is the only bolt you need to undo, and actually you only need to remove the top bolt and swing the caliper down to access the pads.
Just be sure to rest the caliper on something (I use a water bottle) so the weight is not on the flexible brake line.
Also be sure to push the pads in at least a little before removing the caliper, you can do this by prying the front of the caliper with a screw driver against the "caliper bracket".
Just be sure to rest the caliper on something (I use a water bottle) so the weight is not on the flexible brake line.
Also be sure to push the pads in at least a little before removing the caliper, you can do this by prying the front of the caliper with a screw driver against the "caliper bracket".
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
I stopped at the local Chevy parts dept. this morning and they looked at me like I had 2 heads when I asked them about replacing parts. I was told "they would come with the new pads". Yeah, well their pads (which aren't a guaranteed fix) cost about $225. The ceramic pads I bought at AutoZone cost about $60. The mechanic there wasn't aware of any recommended parts to replace either. My new pads only came with 4 shim plates, with adhesive to stick to the new pad backs. I'll use the red anti-vibration stuff also. Thanks for the tips you guys. I'll print this and use it when I do the job tonight!
