Tool sizes for brake pad replacement

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Apr 19, 2010 | 05:32 PM

Dan Wendling

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2008

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From: Gaithersburg MD

Tool sizes for brake pad replacement

What are the correct tool sizes for 2010 Z06 brake pad replacement?

Caliper bolts (6 point ?? mm)
Brake Pad Pins (Torx ??)

Do I need some type piston compressor tool? Have never seen one for 6 pistons!

I am replacing 1 piece pads from Carbotech, so I need to remove the calipers.

Apr 19, 2010 | 08:58 PM

BEZ06

Race Director

Joined: Jan 2005

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From: Daytona Beach FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Wendling

I don't know what size Torx bit is required because I've got the old Allen wrench pad pin bolts (6 mm).

Considering you've got the one piece pads and will need to remove the calipers, you'll need a 21 mm socket.

You don't need a clamp to compress the pistons - you can use a screwdriver to push them back while the calipers are still on to loosen them off the rotor.

After you get the calipers off you'll need to push the pistons down so the new/thicker pads will fit over the rotor (this will push fluid from the system up into the master cylinder, so take some fluid out and check to make sure it doesn't overflow). Although, you've got a 2010, so your OE pads can't be worn too much! If you've got a strong grip, just squeeze the pistons down with your fingers!

Below is how I pull the pads away from the rotor before removing the caliper:

And after I get the caliper off I push the pistons all the way down like below. I just push each piston down individually:

Good luck!!!

Bob

Last edited by BEZ06; Apr 19, 2010 at 09:00 PM.

Apr 19, 2010 | 09:21 PM

Dan Wendling

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 862

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From: Gaithersburg MD

Bleeding before pad change?

Thanks to all for the good info.

Wondering if it makes sense to bleed the brakes a bit to remove any fluid that might have been overheated as well as lowering the level in the reservoir to a safe level for compressing the pistons?

Also promotes getting fresh fluid in the system at every pad change.

Any comment on this?

PS> I splurged on a caliper compression tool I found at Mid America Motorworks. Seems like I would need to compress all 6 pistons at once. Won't a single side clamp push out the first side when the second is clamped?

Apr 20, 2010 | 08:34 PM

Swiftrider08

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2007

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From: Rushsylvania Ohio

I just changed to Hawk Ceramic pads for my Z06 brakes over the weekend. I have the torx head style pins and just made the change with the calipers on the car as my pins came out very easily. Pulled out the old pads and then used a small c-clamp to compress the pistons one at a time. Compressing one does not push out another as the fluid is going back into the reservoir and not pressing against the other pistions. I did not have to remove any fluid from the reservoir and none overflowed. Just do one caliper at a time and then press on the brake pedal to force the fluid back down into the caliper before moving to the next one. This will keep the reservoir from overflowing.

I am out of town, so can't give you the correct torx bit size. Just go buy a full set for a 3/8 drive ratchet and you will be set for most jobs needing a torx.

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