How to Fix Chevy Brakes

The most common problem with Chevy brake systems is worn brake shoes and pads. The brake pads are designed to be wearable parts which must be replaced periodically to ensure proper brake function. When replacing brake shoes or pads always try to purchase the highest quality pads you can afford. Buying low quality parts can increase wear on the brake drums and rotors, which can cost more money in the long run.

Instructions

Removing Front Brake Discs and Pads

1

Lift the front of the vehicle and support with jack stands underneath the frame.

2

Remove the front wheels and tires.

3

Loosen but do not remove the two bolts that secure the brake caliper to the brake caliper bracket.

4

Lift the caliper off the brake disc. Do not allow the caliper to hang from the hydraulic line. Secure it to the frame with wire or plastic ties.

5

Remove the brake pads from the caliper by pulling them loose.

6

Remove the brake disc from the lug studs by pulling it away from the hub.

Installing Front Brake Discs and Pads

7

Slide the new brake disc over the lug studs and press it against the hub.

8

Use a C-clamp to drive the piston back into the brake caliper.

9

Load the brake pads into the caliper. The inboard pad will have a steel clip that fits into the piston in the caliper. The outboard pad will have a steel clip that fits over the outside of the brake caliper.

10

Set the brake caliper into position over the new brake disc. Tighten the two screws that secure it to the brake caliper bracket.

11

Reinstall the wheels and tires.

12

Lower the vehicle.

Removing the Rear Brake Drums and Shoes

13

Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it with jack stands placed underneath the rear frame or axle.

14

Remove the rear wheels and tires.

15

Remove the rear brake drum by pulling it off the lug studs.

16

Remove the two springs that connect the brake shoes to the anchor point at the top of the brake backing plate.

17

Remove the wire link that connects the secondary shoe to the anchor pin.

18

Remove the spring and adjusting star wheel that connect the two shoes at the bottom of the brake backing plate.

19

Remove the brake shoes by compressing the retaining spring and turning it a quarter turn to disengage it from the retaining pin.

20

Remove the parking brake strut from above the axle.

Installing Rear Brake Shoes and Drums

21

Inspect all the brake hardware; replace as necessary.

22

Place the shoes into position; attach using the retaining springs and pins. Push the retaining pin through the backing plate and brake shoe. Compress the retaining spring and rotate the retainer a quarter turn to secure.

23

Place the parking brake strut above the axle between the two shoes.

24

Attach the two springs that connect the two brake shoes to the anchor pin at the top of the brake backing plate.

25

Place the star wheel adjuster between the two brake shoes at the bottom of the backing plate.

26

Reinstall the spring at the star adjuster wheel that connects the two brake shoes at the bottom of the brake backing plate.

27

Slide the brake drum over the lug studs.

28

Reinstall the rear wheels and tires.

29

Lower the vehicle.