How to Install 1967 Chevelle Brakes

The Chevelle is a mid-sized vehicle built by Chevrolet through the 1960s and '70s. Though it is a classic car, the brake system is not much different than modern braking systems. The front brakes make use of a caliper to press brake pads against rotors. The friction created by the pads and rotors causes the Chevelle to slow to a stop. Changing the brakes on a 1967 Chevelle is a relatively easy process that you can be complete in an afternoon.

Instructions

1

Open the Chevelle's hood and locate the master cylinder -- it is at the rear, driver's side of the engine compartment. Open the master cylinder reservoir by pushing the thin metal bar lock off of the metal cap and pulling the metal cap up.

2

Pull the rubber diaphragm out of the master cylinder reservoir and remove about 2/3 of the brake fluid, using a turkey baster. Transfer the removed fluid to a clean, small container.

3

Loosen the Chevelle's front lug nuts, using a ratchet and socket; do not remove the lug nuts at this time.

4

Raise the front of the Chevelle, using a floor jack, and place jack stands under the frame rails. Lower the vehicle until its weight is only on the jack stands.

5

Remove the front lug nuts and pull the front wheels from the Chevelle.

6

Locate the two caliper pins going through the top and bottom of the brake caliper. Pull the cotter keys from the inner portion of both caliper pins, using the needle-nosed pliers. Pull the pins out, through the outer part of the caliper, using the channel-lock pliers. A slight twisting motion will aid in the pins' removal.

7

Place an 8-inch C-clamp over the brake caliper. Position the clamp so the clamp's screw portion is touching the outer brake pad and the fixed part is touching the rear on the caliper's body. Tighten the C-clamp until it stops moving, this compresses the internal caliper piston.

8

Grab the caliper and pull it off of the brake system, notice the pads remain on the caliper braket -- the large metal bracket the caliper attaches to. Attach the caliper to the suspension spring, using a bungee strap.

9

Grab the brake pads and pull them off of the caliper bracket. Slide the new pads onto the caliper bracket in the same position the old ones were.

10

Place the caliper over the brake pads and slide the caliper pins through the caliper. Insert new cotter keys, included with the brake pads, into the holes in the inner portion of the caliper pins.

11

Repeat Steps 6 through 10 for the brakes on the Chevelle's other side.

12

Place the front wheels on the Chevelle and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

13

Raise the Chevelle off of the jack stands, using the floor jack, and remove the jack stands from under the vehicle. Lower the Chevelle to the ground.

14

Tighten the lug nuts, in a criss-cross pattern, to 100 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket.

15

Press and release the brake pedal prior to driving. This extends the caliper piston back out.

16

Check the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir, it must be between the "Min" and "Max" lines on the reservoir. Add fluid from the small container to adjust the level. Place the rubber diaphragm back in the master cylinder reservoir, place the metal cap on the reservoir and pull the locking bar back over the cap. Close the Chevelle's hood.