How to Replace Chevy Calipers

The brake calipers on the Chevy use hydraulics to squeeze the rotor between the brake pads to stop the automobile. If they are not functioning properly, the vehicle will not stop. Signs of a bad brake caliper include leaking around the caliper piston, the car seeming to pull to one side when braking, or the brake pads seeming to wear quickly and unevenly because the calipers are not operating properly. An average person can change a brake caliper in about 30 minutes. If you find yourself replacing the brake calipers on your Chevy, be sure to replace the pads as well if they are worn.

Instructions

1

Locate the master cylinder on the driver's side of the firewall in the engine compartment. Remove the cover and drain the brake fluid from it using the turkey baster. Place the fluid in the drain pan for later recycling. Place a set of wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the Chevy. Raise the Chevy on the side you are starting with, using the automobile jack.

2

Place a jack under the Chevy near the jacking point and raise it to the frame of the vehicle. Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench and remove the wheel from the vehicle. Remove the brake hose from the main brake line using a wrench. Remove the brake hose from the caliper using a wrench to remove the bolt.

3

Loosen the brake caliper bolts using a hex socket and ratchet. Lift the caliper away from the wheel assembly. Remove the brake pads from the caliper and discard them if they are worn. Connect the new brake hose to the caliper. Tighten the bolt using a wrench. Insert the brake pads and place the brake caliper on the mounting cradle on the wheel assembly.

4

Connect the brake hose to the main brake line and tighten the fitting with a wrench. Tighten the caliper bolts using a hex socket and ratchet. Place the tire on the Chevy and tighten the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the vehicle. Lower the Chevy to the ground. Repeat the procedure on the other wheel.

5

Fill the master cylinder with fresh brake fluid when the project is complete. Bleed the air out of the brake lines by having an assistant pump the brake several times and hold them while you open the bleeder valve on the wheel with a wrench to expel the air in the lines. Repeat the process until all air is out of the brake lines.