How to Change the Brakes on a 2003 Chevy Z71

Replacing the brake pads on the Chevy Z71 is similar to the process on most trucks. The only variations would be if the truck is not a 4x4. The brake pads are mounted against the surface of the rotor. When the brake pedal is depressed, pressure is applied to the pad by the calipers and the master cylinder, pressing the pad against the rotor, slowing or stopping the truck. Changing the brake pads at the right time will keep the rotors and other parts from wearing out before their time.

Instructions

1

Move the Z71 to level ground and put the transmission in park. Apply the parking brake. Raise the hood.

2

Loosen the lug nuts on both front tires with the lug wrench. The lug wrench is a tool that comes with your vehicle and is usually found behind the seat. Turn the lug nuts in a counterclockwise rotation to loosen them.

3

Install the floor jack in front of the truck. Find the center cross member of the frame directly in line with the front wheels and place the jack on the cross member. Jack up the truck until the front tires are just off the ground.

4

Take the two safety jack stands and install them on the frame just behind the wheel on both sides of the truck. Adjust them to the proper height and insure they are locked. Lower the truck onto the stands and leave the jack under the frame along with the jack stands.

5

Remove the lug nuts from one of the wheels and lay the wheel to the side.

6

Use the pry bar to pry the brake caliper piston back. This will allow you to remove the brake pads. Install the flat tip of the pry bar between the brake pad and the rotor, then pry the pads away from the rotor.

7

Remove the brake pins that are located at both ends of the brake pads with the pliers. Remove the brake pads and clean the surface of the rotor. Install the C-clamp on the caliper piston and remove the top off the master cylinder, which is located under the hood on the firewall. Turn the C-clamp until the piston is fully retracted. Remove the C-clamp.

8

Install the new brake pads, aligning the grooves on the pads with the locking pin holes. Install the locking pins. Mount the wheel on the studs and install the lug nuts and tighten them in a clockwise direction until they are snug.

9

Repeat the process for each wheel. When finished, remove the jack and safety jack stands. Tighten all the lug nuts in a cross pattern on each wheel until tight. This will insure that the wheel is secure. Be sure the brake fluid reservoir on the master cylinder is filled to the proper level as indicated on the side of the reservoir. Put the top back on the master cylinder. Close the hood and pump the brakes several times before moving the truck.