How Fix the Brakes on a 98 Malibu

Grinding or high-pitched squeaking noises when you come to a stop in your 1998 Chevy Malibu probably means it's time to change the brakes. Replacing your brakes at the first sign of wear is the best bet, as it prevents damage and ensures the safety of you and your family. Among do it yourself auto repair projects, replacing your brakes is fairly easy, economical and doesn't take too much time to complete.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of your 1998 Chevy Malibu and locate the brake fluid reservoir. On a 1998 Malibu, it's located on the driver's side closest to the front windshield. Open the reservoir tank and place the cap in a safe place where it won't get lost.

2

Loosen the lug nuts slightly on the left front tire of your 1998 Malibu.

3

Jack up the vehicle up and put the jack stands into place.

4

Remove the lug nuts completely, then remove the tire.

5

Use a socket wrench to remove the two bolts holding the brake caliper in place. The bolts are located on the rear of the brake caliper.

6

Slide the brake caliper up and away from the rotor. Attach a wire coat hanger or a bungee cord to the brake caliper and attach it to the frame. This will prevent you from damaging the brake line that is attached to the caliper.

7

Slide the old brake shoes of your 1998 Malibu out of the brake caliper. It may be necessary to use a C-clamp to seat the piston back into its bore.

8

Slide the new brake shoes into the caliper.

9

Untie the caliper and slip it back into place. Use the socket set to replace the two brake caliper bolts.

10

Replace tire and then repeat the same steps for the front passenger side brakes of your 1998 Malibu.

11

Replace the cap back on the brake fluid reservoir. Start your 1998 Malibu and pump the brakes.