Replacing Z51 brake pads?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 173
Likes: 58
Replacing Z51 brake pads?
I watched a Paragon Performance Utube on replacing the brake pads. The technician compressed the pistons using a tool and didn’t open the bleeder valve. Is this ok? I read in another article that a scan tool might be needed to deactivate the brake boost system and that pushing fluid backwards can possibly damage the ABS unit. Sounds complicated. For you guys that have replaced your pads, is the Paragon method acceptable?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 1,122
From: Western Mass
I disconnect the battery and just push the old pads back toward the caliper with a couple of screw drivers. I've done this 8 or 10 times thus far as I burn through pads on the track fairly quickly. Nothing special needed to replace pads or even to bleed (although some will say you need a scan tool to get the fluid out of the ABS module when bleeding. I bleed at least once a year prior to track season and don't have any issues.
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
Just make sure you disconnect the battery but there is no issue compressing the pistons. This is standard on any pad replacement. The ABS module will not be activated during the process based on what I have found. The scan tool is used to active the ABS module when bleeding the brake system or doing a flush to move the fluid through the ABS module. While beneficial not required when bleeding. The pressure method or two man method will work just fine when you choose to take that project on but as to the pads you will be fine.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 646
Likes: 72
From: EAST TEXAS
What is new about the C8 that requires the battery be disconnected to change pads? I'm not doubting it, I just need enlightenment. The latest model cars I have changed pads on were my 2019 C7 and 2019 Mustang, where I just pushed the caliper pistons in enough to slide in the new pads. No problems. I have just bought a new 2026 Z51, and need to know things like this.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12,812
Likes: 10,229
From: Garden Valley CA
The C8 has electrically operated brake boost and ABS. The system can be triggered by certain events and self checks. The system could inadvertently operate while the pads are out and push out the pistons, pinch fingers, etc. Also, the system can get confused and cause a brake system code and put it into a limp mode.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 646
Likes: 72
From: EAST TEXAS
The C8 has electrically operated brake boost and ABS. The system can be triggered by certain events and self checks. The system could inadvertently operate while the pads are out and push out the pistons, pinch fingers, etc. Also, the system can get confused and cause a brake system code and put it into a limp mode.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 839
Likes: 185
From: North Wales PA
A couple of additional tips (learned the hard way):
- Whether or not you kill the battery, no matter what you do, be sure pump the brakes HARD before starting car or you’ll get to limp mode.
- if you do get into limp mode, don’t sweat it. As posted by another member, just a) hold down start button with for off brake (ie don’t start engine) for 20-30 seconds until all electronics on, b) hold brake pedal down until it stops clicking, c) foot off brake, d) shut down power, e) start normally. If a residual CEL, can clear with BlueDriver.
- Motive power bleeders make the bleeding job really quick, which I do without filling the container so easier cleanup. But, if you do at the same time as pads, depressurize before yanking pads or the pistons will shoot out and leak. Obvious in retrospect…
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12,812
Likes: 10,229
From: Garden Valley CA
As stated above, it is better to have the brakes hard before you reconnect the battery. It's sort of like putting your car under anesthesia before you do surgery.
Another tip - roll down the driver's side window before you disconnect the battery. That way you can reach in to release the manual door latch to get in and pump up the brakes.
Another tip - roll down the driver's side window before you disconnect the battery. That way you can reach in to release the manual door latch to get in and pump up the brakes.
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 208
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From: Golden Colorado
I replaced my factory Z51 pads with Power Stop Ceramic pads a few weeks ago. I disconnected the battery before I started and used the tool to compress the pistons. The entire job went smooth and I had no issues. I did pump up the brake pedal before I reconnected the battery. I didn't get any errors/codes. I did the burn-in process outlined in the instructions that came with the pads. I don't notice any drop in stopping power and all the squeaking I was getting from the factory pads is now gone. Couldn't be happier!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Not far from COTA
Burning Brakes
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From: Western Mass
Drifting
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From: Pingree Grove IL