Replacing GS pads
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,732
Likes: 708
From: Shelton, Connecticut
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Replacing GS pads
I am aware of the trend to remove the calipers on the GS.
My concern is being able to torque the bolts to 135 ft lbs.
while laying on the garage floor.
I am not sure my 74 y/o. body is capable.
Is it possible to just remove the two pins in the center of the
front caliper and the middle pin in the rear caliper to remove
and reinstall new padlets or one piece pads?
Thanks.
My concern is being able to torque the bolts to 135 ft lbs.
while laying on the garage floor.
I am not sure my 74 y/o. body is capable.
Is it possible to just remove the two pins in the center of the
front caliper and the middle pin in the rear caliper to remove
and reinstall new padlets or one piece pads?
Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 163
From: Davis CA
I believe that they have to be removed. However, do want to point out that your body's weight applied to the torque wrench at least 12 inches from the socket will pass 135. Just get the wrench parrallel to the ground and lean on it. I'm thinking that if you have gotten the wheel off, you will be able to do the rest. My biggest problem was getting them loose originally. Took a pipe over a breaker bar and my much in excess of 135 weight. Do use a Locktite if you have any concerns.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,437
Likes: 918
From: CONCORD NC
the Z06/GS padlets should come off with pin removal, but the pins are prone to seizing and striping (the heads) so removal may be ultimately required. You need enough height to get a breaker bar in, obviously better on a lift, but every C5/C6 track rat has done it on the grounds (same bolts for other calipers)
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 442
From: Boca Raton Florida
Originally Posted by Chatman
I believe that they have to be removed. However, do want to point out that your body's weight applied to the torque wrench at least 12 inches from the socket will pass 135. Just get the wrench parrallel to the ground and lean on it. I'm thinking that if you have gotten the wheel off, you will be able to do the rest. My biggest problem was getting them loose originally. Took a pipe over a breaker bar and my much in excess of 135 weight. Do use a Locktite if you have any concerns.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,463
Likes: 418
From: Ruskin, FL
I am aware of the trend to remove the calipers on the GS.
My concern is being able to torque the bolts to 135 ft lbs.
while laying on the garage floor.
I am not sure my 74 y/o. body is capable.
Is it possible to just remove the two pins in the center of the
front caliper and the middle pin in the rear caliper to remove
and reinstall new padlets or one piece pads?
Thanks.
My concern is being able to torque the bolts to 135 ft lbs.
while laying on the garage floor.
I am not sure my 74 y/o. body is capable.
Is it possible to just remove the two pins in the center of the
front caliper and the middle pin in the rear caliper to remove
and reinstall new padlets or one piece pads?
Thanks.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,732
Likes: 708
From: Shelton, Connecticut
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I have changed the padlets before. I use a water pump pliers to squeeze
the top of the padlet and the caliper casting.
I really was trying to a oid removing all the pins. PITA to remove them,
clean them, grease them and reinstall.
I may try removing the caliper. If I have trouble, I’ll see if anyone in the club can help me out.
Just got the car yesterday so we’ll see how bad the dust is.
the top of the padlet and the caliper casting.
I really was trying to a oid removing all the pins. PITA to remove them,
clean them, grease them and reinstall.
I may try removing the caliper. If I have trouble, I’ll see if anyone in the club can help me out.
Just got the car yesterday so we’ll see how bad the dust is.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 913
From: Baie-D'Urfe, Quebec
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C6 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
I change pads (and discs) back/forth before/after every track day, so I've become pretty good at this routine (albeit on a quick jack, which is a bit higher than jack stands). First, I never remove the pins. As mentioned, they're prone to stripping and if not, may loosen afterwards.
The fronts caliper bolts should be no problem anyway, as you can turn the wheels so your torque wrench is easily accessible. Its the rears that are awkward without an actual lift.
What I do now, is use a very compact Milwaukee electric impact gun. for removal and re-installation. https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/2555-20
I know I may be slammed for my crude approach, but on its highest setting, it torques to about 130~140ft.lbs ,as per my torque wrench test. ...and its so convenient for a whole slew of other tasks. Anyhow, its been a game changer for me.
Oh yah, when the calipers are off, I use a milk crate to rest it on so as not to stretch the hoses, and put a shop towel on that to preserve caliper paint. This way its easy to manipulate and access the open jaws of the caliper
Good luck
The fronts caliper bolts should be no problem anyway, as you can turn the wheels so your torque wrench is easily accessible. Its the rears that are awkward without an actual lift.
What I do now, is use a very compact Milwaukee electric impact gun. for removal and re-installation. https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/2555-20
I know I may be slammed for my crude approach, but on its highest setting, it torques to about 130~140ft.lbs ,as per my torque wrench test. ...and its so convenient for a whole slew of other tasks. Anyhow, its been a game changer for me.
Oh yah, when the calipers are off, I use a milk crate to rest it on so as not to stretch the hoses, and put a shop towel on that to preserve caliper paint. This way its easy to manipulate and access the open jaws of the caliper
Good luck
