How to Change the Rear Disc Brakes on a 2005 Malibu

Chevrolet equipped the 2005 model-year Malibu with all-around disc brakes to control vehicle speed. The master cylinder generates hydraulic pressure used by the caliper piston to apply pressure to the inner brake pad. The pressure on the inner pads draws the outer pads into the brake rotor and clamps the rotor with evenly distributed pressure, slowing the wheels. Brake pads are made from composite materials that withstand the heat build-up from braking but wear out over time from the friction. Pads must be changed before they wear out completely to avoid causing rotor damage.

Instructions

Removal

1

Wipe the master cylinder reservoir cap with a clean cloth. Remove the reservoir cap and inspect the fluid level. Remove fluid from the reservoir if the level is higher than half-way between the minimum and maximum level lines.

2

Block the front wheels with wood blocks. Raise the rear of the vehicle with a jack and secure the vehicle with a pair of jack stands.

3

Remove the lug nuts from the rear wheels with a lug-nut wrench. Pull the wheels off the vehicle.

4

Install a large C-clamp over the caliper from the outer brake pad to the back of the caliper piston housing. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston is forced most of the way back into the caliper. Remove the C-clamp.

5

Remove the lower caliper bolt with a wrench. Rotate the caliper up and off of the rotor using the upper caliper bolt as a pivot. Support the weight of the caliper with a bungee cord or length of wire.

6

Slide the brake pads out of the bracket. Remove the brake-pad retainer clips from the bracket by hand.

Installation

7

Place an old brake pad over the caliper piston. Install the C-clamp over the caliper and compress the piston fully into the caliper cylinder. Remove the C-clamp.

8

Snap the brake-pad retainer clips into position in the caliper bracket. Slide the new brake pads into the bracket and clips.

9

Rotate the caliper down into position over the rotor. Install the caliper bolt and torque it to 26 pound-feet with a torque wrench and socket.

10

Install the wheels back onto the vehicle. Install and torque the lug nuts using a star pattern to 100 pound-feet of torque with a torque wrench and socket.

11

Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.

12

Slowly apply the brakes with the engine off until the brake pedal is about two-thirds of the way through its travel. Hold this position for 15 seconds and slowly release the pressure. Repeat this process until the brake pedal becomes firm.

13

Add fluid to the reservoir up to the maximum full line. Reinstall the reservoir cap.

14

Start the vehicle and accelerate up to 30 miles per hour. Apply moderate brake pressure to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Allow the brakes to cool for a short period. Repeat this process about 20 times to burnish the new pads.