Ceramic pad install
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 937
Likes: 70
From: Ponte Vedra Florida
Ceramic pad install
Just purchased ceramic pads for my Z51. Any secrets or suggestions that would make the install perfect? Not the first time I've done brakes but I'm always ready to learn something new.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 853
From: Daytona Beach FL
Removing the pin is probably much easier. Here's a good thread with some pics:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-calipers.html
Bob
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 11
From: Greater Detroit Metro MI, when I'm not travelling.
Take the pins off; it is much easier than getting the entire caliper off!
Buy brake cleaner, blue locktite, anti squeal compound, and caliper grease.
Clean everything with brake parts cleaner before you begin. Apply caliper grease to the pins and to all sliding surfaces, apply anti squeal compound to the back of the pads. I had to use needle nose pliers to hold the other end of the pins while I tightened them. Make sure you use a torque wrench; your life depends on those brakes working well
Buy brake cleaner, blue locktite, anti squeal compound, and caliper grease.
Clean everything with brake parts cleaner before you begin. Apply caliper grease to the pins and to all sliding surfaces, apply anti squeal compound to the back of the pads. I had to use needle nose pliers to hold the other end of the pins while I tightened them. Make sure you use a torque wrench; your life depends on those brakes working well
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,213
Likes: 397
From: Indianapolis IN
Make sure you push back the caliper piston before you close it. Otherwise, it won't fit over the new pads. I just used my old pad and with both thumbs, pushed back the piston. It also will help if you loosen the brake fuild cap to release the pressure.
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
For street driving, you won't notice any difference in stopping power and you will love the absent brake dust. If you take the car to the track, you will need other pads. The installation is simple.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,459
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From: Oviedo,FL. Las Vegas
,mr. dive and drive, I noticed real quick.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Eastern PA:ECS Paxton Novi 1500(676rwhp,585tq on stock engine),LG headers, 410's, Corsa Sports, ECS Alky Kit
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
It depends on which pads. I've had pads on non-Corvettes that I did feel a difference. I just put Hawk Ceramics on my Z06 and a friends. Both of us agree that we don't feel any difference from the factory pads. I'm sure on a race track it would be a different story. But I did six hard stops from 60mph to over 100mph within about a mile and they still felt fine.
Pro
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
You've got 2 options: take off the entire Removing the pin is probably much easier. Here's a good thread with some pics:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-calipers.html
Bob
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-calipers.html
Bob
On the front calipers just remove the TOP pin bolt (torque to 25lbs and add blue loctite unless you received a new bolt with your pad kit) and on the rear calipers remove the BOTTOM bolt so that you have more clearance, everything else is straightforward and easy.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 397
Likes: 1
From: Mountain Top pa
also, you may find that the factory pads stick to the caloper. a little "love tap" to release the pads is all you need. after that it is really pretty easy.