First time Brake Pad Install

[blackfirebirdy2k]

Need new front brake pads on my 2000 Firebird. How difficult is this job? The Haynes manual shows the use of a C-Clamp to compress the piston to make room for the pads. Also recommends removing some fluid from the reservoir above to there is no overflow. Local shop mentioned bleeding the brakes also. The 3 things I listed are what I am uncertain about why they need done. Any help is appreciated!

[StudlyCamaro]

you need a c clamp to compress the caliper's piston into the caliper, you probably wont need to remove any fluid, i never have anyway . you shouldnt have to bleed the brakes unless you take the caliper off the car

[John_D.]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by blackfirebirdy2k:
...C-Clamp to compress the piston to make room for the pads. Also recommends removing some fluid from the reservoir above to there is no overflow. Local shop mentioned bleeding the brakes also. The 3 things I listed are what I am uncertain about...<hr></blockquote>

As the pads wear down, the piston begins to remain further out in the bore. When you put the new (thicker) pads in, there won't be enough space between them to fit onto the rotor. The c-clamp will seat the piston all the way back again, giving you plenty of room to get the assembly back onto the rotor.

Since the space behind the piston is filled with fluid, when you press it back, the fluid will move up through the line and back into the reservoir. I've never had to remove any fluid though. If you had recently filled it to the top, then you might need to take some out.

Yep, unless you open the system, you shouldn't need to bleed it... Only if you loosen or remove a line, then you would need to for sure.

[blackfirebirdy2k]

Thank you for your responses, that is exactly what I needed! I know what the book says but I just wanted to know why I needed to do these things and what to watch for. Thanks again! Brian

[awesomeame]

don't take the reservoir cap off, either. i took it off once with my bonneville & when i used the c-clamp to compress the piston, i had fluid everywhere :rolleyes:

your brake fluid should be clear. if it's not clear, DO bleed your brakes.

--matt