How to Install C5 Corvette Brakes

The brakes on a C5 Corvette use a caliper and brake pad design for improved clamping force and better braking. The brake caliper squeezes the brake rotor by forcing two brake pads, called "brake lining," against the surface of the rotor. An outboard pad and an inboard pad surround the rotor on both sides. When both the outboard and inboard pad surfaces wear down, you'll need to replace them. You can usually tell when they need to be replaced because you will feel a shimmy in the steering wheel while applying the brake pedal. You'll also notice decreased brake performance. After you have the brakes off the Corvette, however, know how to install new brakes.

Instructions

1

Pull the old rotor off the wheel hub. It should slide right off.

2

Slide a new rotor onto the wheel hub.

3

Place the face of one of the old brake pads against the caliper piston.

4

Slide the c-clamp over the brake caliper and piston assembly in such a way that when you tighten the clamp, the brake pad will force the piston back into the caliper housing. One side of the c-clamp will hold onto the caliper, while the other side will push against the back of the pad and, subsequently, the piston. Turn the c-clamp handle so that the piston is forced into the caliper housing. Make sure that the piston and piston boot fold straight back into the housing. The protective caliper piston boot should fold "accordion style" back into the caliper housing.

5

Insert the new brake pads. The curved ends of the brake pads should be facing inward on the caliper. Slide the top and bottom tabs on the brake pads into the retaining clips on the caliper.

6

Slide the brake caliper back over the top of the brake rotor and put a small dab of lock-tite thread locker on all caliper mounting bolt threads.

7

Tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts to 37 lbs-ft with a torque wrench. Set the dial on the torque wrench to 37 lbs-ft and tighten the caliper mounting bolts until the wrench clicks, indicating the correct torque value has been reached.

8

Spray all brake parts down with brake parts cleaner.