How to Change the Brake Pads on a 2004 Trailblazer

The 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer comes standard with front disc brakes and brake pads. It may have either rear drum brakes, or rear disc brakes with brake pads. The front brake pads account for up to 75 percent of the braking power for the SUV, while the rear (disc or drum) brakes account for the remaining 25 percent. As the friction material of the brake pads wear down, the pistons of the calipers have to push further out of their bores to press the pads to the surface of the rotors.

Instructions

1

Remove two-thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder using a brake fluid siphon. Dispose of the old brake fluid, then replace the snap-on cover to the cylinder.

2

Wedge a wheel brace against a tire on the axle opposite on which you intend to replace the brake pads (behind a rear tire or in front of a front tire).

3

Loosen the tire nuts with a tire nut removal tool just enough to back them away from the wheel rims on the two tires for which you will replace the brake pads.

4

Hoist the axle of the Trailblazer on which the pads are being replaced with the roadside jack, then lower the jack onto jack stands to support the vehicle safely. Finish removing the tire nuts, then remove the tire assemblies.

5

Open the large C-clamp so it can extend over the caliper with the top of the clamp on the inner caliper housing and the screw of the clamp on the outside brake pad. Slowly tighten the clamp to push the caliper piston inward fully.

6

Use the ratchet and the 3/8-inch male hex-head socket bit to remove the upper and lower caliper slide bolts from the inside of the caliper (front brakes). Use the ratchet and socket to remove the lower caliper bolt (rear brakes).

7

Remove the caliper and pad assembly from the knuckle and rotor assembly, then support it on a 4-inch S-hook from the suspension (front brakes). Pivot the caliper downward, away from the brake pads and rotor for rear brakes.

8

Use the pry tool to disengage the outside brake pad retaining clips from the caliper. Use the pry tool again to disengage the inside brake pad clip from the caliper piston.

9

Use the wire bristled brush to clean away rust from the mating surfaces of both the caliper and the caliper mount. Apply a layer of anti-seize lubricating compound to the cleaned surfaces of the caliper and caliper mount.

10

Insert the inside pad and retaining clip into the caliper piston, then remove the caliper from the S-hook. Wrap the bent tabs of the outside brake pad around the top of the outer brake caliper housing, then place the pads and caliper over the brake rotor.

11

Apply an even coat of anti-seize lubricating compound over the movable slides on the two front or upper rear caliper bolt(s), then align and insert them into the caliper. Tighten the bolts tightly with the ratchet and suitable socket.

12

Replace the wheels and tire nuts and tighten the nuts so the tire assembly is fully seated against the wheel hub.

13

Lower the Trailblazer and use the torquing tool and suitable socket to re-tighten the lug nuts to 100 foot-lbs. in a star pattern.

14

Apply the brake pedal in a pumping motion until it feels firm in order to purge the compressed brake pistons outward and set the brake pads to the brake rotor.

15

Remove the master cylinder cover again and top off the dual chambered reservoirs with DOT 3 brake fluid.

16

Remove the wheel brace and test drive the Trailblazer.