The following How-To covers the explanation of how to Remove/Replace the Front Brake Pads and includes specifications, schematics, etc.

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this helps with the pad aspect of the brakes but I need some pointers on caliper removal/install as I am sending to powder coater...? Thanks Andrew

 

I changed the pads in my car in under an hour and that included jacking up each corner seperately and cleaning the wheels. Couldn't be simpler.

 

Patience, please... The prerequisites have to be posted first...

 

It would help us novices if you could list the tools you will need with links as to where to get them. Thanks!

 

Which tool(s) are you specifically referring to? The only required items here are a punch to remove the pins, and a spanner/spreader.

Pads are an easy swap-out.

 

Are these instructions for all or just the Z51?

 

Should be the same for both the C7 base and Z51.

 

Great write up for DIY guys, thanks for posting

 

Do you recommend replacement of the pins and springs, or can they be re-used?

 

They are reused.

Elmer

 

Looks like just a punch to remove the pins. Curious, what holds the pins in place? Not Treaded?

 

There is an expansion fitting on the inner end of the pin. It compresses when you drive the pin in to seat it.

 

Thanks Fred. Have a number of different size drifts so that should not be a problem. I also have a “pad spreader” for a single piston floating caliper but looking at the pics it won’t work for a fixed caliper. Assume inserting a large scraper between the old pad and the rotor will provide the needed clearence for the new pad? I only have about 4000 miles on the Z51 so don’t expect I’ll need much extra space.

Side Note: Was waiting for the Helm service manual but looks like we’ll be lucky if it every comes (now scheduled for January 2015!) However this posting from Theta is probably what will be in the “not yet produced manual!” Have done many brake jobs but years ago. Last was on my street rod 13 years ago removing and disassembling the rear calipers! The rear brakes are from an old Cadillac with an integral parking brake. That is what Currie used for my shorted 9 inch Ford rear to provide a parking brake. They were used by Cadillac on the first rear disk brake cars for only a year or two. You can tell why, the parking brake device mechanically leverages the pads against the rotor but is not very effective! Jerry

 

A video How-To on this would be very helpful...

-M

 

The new pads were thinner than my original pads. I did not have to work the pistons to get the new pads in. I almost went to the floor with the pedal on the first depression. I pumped the brake and got a solid pedal and was good to go.

Elmer

 

Thanks Elmer. Did you use Carbotech 1521's? That is what I plan to use to redcue the brake dust with my 2014 Z51. Since I only have ~4000 miles on the C7 perhaps my new pads will thinner as well. If they were 1521's are you happy with them?
Jerry

 

They are great and yes I have the 1521's.


Elmer