Changing Brakes
Changing Brakes I need to put new brakes and rotors on and i was just wondering do i need any special tools to change them out with? and if i change them out do i have to change the brake fluid as well?
For just pads and rotors you only really need a socket set. 12mm for the two bolts holding the caliper to the slide pins and I think 15mm for the two bolts holding the caliper bracket on (have to take the bracket off to get the rotor off). This is on the front, not sure if the bolt sizes are the same on the rear or not, it has been awhile since I was back there.
You don't need to change your brake fluid unless it is dirty or something, which it shouldn't be as it is a sealed system.
You don't need to change your brake fluid unless it is dirty or something, which it shouldn't be as it is a sealed system.
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Eastern MA
Here is a write-up:
http://www.installuniversity.com/ins...ds_mwarren.htm
I'd recommend only doing one corner at a time instead of all four at once like in the article. I feel safer having the other tires still on the ground while I'm working.
http://www.installuniversity.com/ins...ds_mwarren.htm
I'd recommend only doing one corner at a time instead of all four at once like in the article. I feel safer having the other tires still on the ground while I'm working.
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: In your sisters panties
if you change the brake fluid, keep an eye on the fluild level in the reservoir; don't do what i did and let it run dry and introduce air into the ABS 
. If you do, you need a TECH-II scanner to cycle the ABS which, unless you have one at your house, requires a visit to a shop.
. If you do, you need a TECH-II scanner to cycle the ABS which, unless you have one at your house, requires a visit to a shop. LS1 Tech Stories
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I changed my rotors on my 95 Trans AM about a month ago. It was an easy job compared to most cars (took me 30 minutes with good tools). For 93-97 you need a hex head socket or allen wrench for the two caliper bolts. You just take off the wheels, break loose the two socket head cap screws (hex), make sure you have a bungy cord to hold up your caliper (you don't want to damage the line by letting the caliper hang), take out the two bolts, hang the caliper, then slide out the pads and or rotors. If you are replacing the pads, make sure your brake fluid level is not too high. You need to push back the piston in the caliper with a C-clamp, then install the new pads. When installing new rotors you need to spray them down with a brake parts cleaner. With the rotors now on the hub, slide the caliper assembly over the rotor, tighen the two socket head cap screws, and put your wheels back on.
Well i think the fluid has been in there for 75000 miles how do you change the fluid?? does the fluid ever get bad and how to tell?? and with the line lock that will be installed soon too!!
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Houston, Tx
If you're in a humid climate like me (Houston), then changing the brake fluid is a good idea every couple of years. If you pick up a motive power bleeder, you can do it solo without much hassle. I use valvoline synpower.
Try searching the brake section but you could do one of two things. The slow and safe bleed way would be to open each bleeder on each caliper one at a time and bleed some fluid out and add more fluid to the master cylinder. This way would be slow but would not allow air to get in the line. Another way would be to open one bleeder all the way and pump all the fluid out. You would need to do open each bleeder all the way to make sure almost all the fluid is out. Then fill the system up with new brake fluid. You might have to open one bleeder a bit and let it gravity bleed over night because there will be a large amount of air in the system. This way would be quicker with getting the fluid out but the bleeding process will take longer. I think GM recomends Dot 3 fluid which is pretty much standard. If you don't know much about bleeding a brake system please reasearch this more before trying it yourself.
