I need to do a brake job to save money?

Tiny
LOUISE CEEPO
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 32,000 MILES
The brake warning light is on I need to do a brake job to save money can you help?
Sunday, February 21st, 2010 AT 9:58 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Front brakes aren't too hard to replace. You can expect rear brakes to last approximately 25,000 miles, but that is based on driver habits and terrain.

First, here is a link that you may find helpful. It explains how, in general, the job is done. You can use it as a guide. Check out the diagrams (Below).

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-front-brake-pads-and-rotors-fwd

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

Brake Pads Replacement - Front

Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution in Service Precautions.

Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Caution in Service Precautions.

Removal Procedure

1. Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder auxiliary reservoir.
2. If the brake fluid level is midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, no brake fluid needs to be removed from the reservoir before proceeding.
3. If the brake fluid level is higher than midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
6. Install and firmly hand tighten 2 wheel nuts to opposite wheel studs in order to retain the rotor to the hub.
7. Install a large C-clamp (1) over the body of the brake caliper (2) with the C-clamp ends against the rear of the caliper body and against the outboard brake pad.
8. Tighten the C-clamp evenly until the caliper piston is compressed into the caliper bore enough to allow the caliper to slide past the brake rotor.
9. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

10. Remove the brake caliper lower guide pin bolt (1).

Notice: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic's wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the flexible brake hose to bear the weight of the caliper, which may cause damage to the brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.

11. Without disconnecting the hydraulic brake flexible hose, pivot the caliper upward and secure the caliper with heavy mechanics wire (1), or equivalent.

12. Remove the brake pads from the caliper mounting bracket.
13. Remove the brake pad retainers (1) from the caliper bracket.
14. Thoroughly clean the brake pad hardware mating surfaces of the caliper bracket (2), of any debris and corrosion.
15. Inspect the brake caliper guide pins for freedom of movement, and inspect the condition of the guide pin boots. Move the guide pins inboard and outboard within the bracket bores, without disengaging the slides from the boots, and observe for the following:
Restricted caliper guide pin movement
Looseness in the brake caliper mounting bracket
Seized or binding caliper guide pins
Split or torn boots
16. If any of the conditions listed are found, the brake caliper guide pins and/or boots require replacement.

17. Install a large C-clamp (1) over the body of the brake caliper (3), with the C-clamp ends against the rear of the caliper body and against an old inboard brake pad (2) or a wood block installed against the caliper piston.
18. Tighten the C-clamp (1) evenly until the caliper piston is compressed completely into the caliper bore.
19. Remove the C-clamp and the old brake pad or wood block from the caliper.

Installation Procedure

1. Apply a very thin coating of high temperature silicone brake lubricant to the pad hardware mating surfaces of the caliper bracket (2) only.
2. Install the brake pad retainers (1) to the brake caliper bracket.

Important: The wear sensor equipped disc brake pad must be mounted inboard of the rotor with the leading edge of the sensor facing the brake rotor during forward wheel rotation, or at the top of the pad when installed in vehicle position.

3. Install the brake pads to the caliper bracket.
4. Remove the support, and rotate the brake caliper into position over the disc brake pads and to the caliper mounting bracket.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

5. Install the lower brake caliper guide pin bolt (1).
Tighten the bolt to 34 Nm (25 ft. lbs.).
6. Remove the wheel nuts retaining the brake rotor to the hub.
7. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.
10. Slowly release the brake pedal.
11. Wait 15 seconds, then gradually apply the brake pedal approximately 2/3 of its travel distance again until a firm brake pedal apply is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
12. Fill the master cylinder auxiliary reservoir to the proper level.
13. Burnish the pads and rotors.

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.
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Sunday, May 23rd, 2021 AT 3:40 PM

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