Replacing brake pads and disks! HELP PLEASE.

[tbird31]

I've decided that it's time to replace the brake pads and disk. I've got a buddy that works at a performance brake shop and he is going to get me some new disks and slot them for me for fairly cheap. I'm going to do it myself because it seems like it is an easy enough job. Anyone please give opinions. I don't really want to start and then find out it's a sh*t load harder than I thought it would be. Thanks.

Travis.

[crasher]

pretty simple just unbolt the calipers. Usualy two bolts on the inside facing towards the engine. Use a set of big channel locks or a clamp or something like that the push the caliper piston back into caliper take the old pads out and put the new ones in. Now about the rotor I'm not totaly sure about that. I can't remember if you have to take the barrings out to remove the rotor or not. Let me look it up real quick.

[98Camaro3.8]

Rotors are real simple to change: just pull them off and put on the new ones. ;)

No need to mess with any of the bearings just to change the brakes.

[crasher]

no you don't the rotor just slids off the spindle simple as pie

[tbird31]

Thanks a bunch guys. I'm planning on doing it this weekend, no time during the week with school and all. Any suggestions on brake pads and brand rotor or anything?

[RallyRed 98]

pads: i like delco for some odd reason, but any pad i've ever used has been fine.

rotors: you're going to replace them again in 2 years anyway! if you're getting rotors with slots or dimples it's always best to get ones that have those features already in the casting, as opposed to being added later... but those rotors tend to be way up there in price, even compared to stock replacements.

just remember, they're your brakes... no place to cut corners or scrimp!

[tbird31]

RallyRed 98...what do you mean I am going to have to replace them again in 2 years?

No joke about cutting corners though I would rather know I've got brakes that are excellent and spend more than go the cheapo route.

[FunkZ]

For the 93-97 you're going to need a 3/8" hex wrench or bit to get the calipers off. And a large C-clamp to compress the pistons. Other than that it's easy.

[vanbibber]

dont forget to bleed the brake lines also.

[Rollingrock]

does someone want to share how to bleed the brakes the easy way

[FunkZ]

2 people, one to pump the pedal and one to open/close the bleed screw.

But you don't need to bleed the lines to install pads and rotors.

[Silver 99 Camaro]

Usually you only bleed the lines if you open them which introduces air and moisture. If the system has never been opened then they don't need bleeding. If you aren't sure, then you should bleed them.

There is a bleed screw near each caliper. Have someone pump the brake pedal 3 times, then squeeze and hold it. While the pedal is down, open the screw until the pedal hits the floor. Then tighten the screw and release the brake pedal. Repeat at all 4 corners.

[RancidCamaro]

So I'm confused. FunkZ sez we don't need to bleed the lines and i'm pretty sure we don't. So.. do we? For sure? Because I plan on installing new pads/rotors in the not-too-far-future and I am by no means a big brake man.

[FunkZ]

I've only had to bleed my brakes twice, once when I swapped the rear end and once when I swapped both front calipers. If you don't open the lines there's no need to bleed them.

[nda0602v6]

Yeah you don't have to bleed the brake lines if all your doing is just changing pads and rotors.

Once you have everything back together (and before you jump in and drive away), make sure to step on the brake pedal a few times till you have a firm pedal again.