Replacing the brake pads yourself on your 1981 Chevrolet Corvette can save you money. You can choose from the original organic, low-metallic, semi-metallic or ceramic pads. Low -metallic pads are organic, with up to 30 percent containing copper or steel. Semi-metallic pads are durable, but they wear rotors out quickly and are often noisy. Ceramic pads are the most expensive, but they're cleaner and quieter than the other types. Choose a pad that is best for you and your budget.
Tools Used: Brake Pads, Jack, Jack stands, Lug wrench, Socket set, C-clamp, Brake cleaner, Brake anti-squeak compound, Shop towels, Brake lubricant
Brake fluid
Change Brake Pads
Park the car on a level surface. Raise the front of the car with a hydraulic jack. Lower the car onto jack stands for safety. Open the hood and remove the lid on the brake fluid reservoir.
Remove the wheel with a lug wrench. Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Remove the caliper from the rotor and place it on a secure surface. Make sure you do not leave the caliper dangling from the hose unsupported.
Remove the cotter pin on the brake pad retainer pin with a set of pliers. Slide the pin out from the caliper. Slide the brake pads out of the caliper housing. Be aware of any clips or pins that may need to be put back in place when installing the new pads
Clean the rotors and retainer pin with a shop towel and brake cleaner. Be careful not to inhale any brake dust.
Compress the caliper pistons carefully by taking an old brake pad and placing it against the pistons. Use a C-clamp to compress the old pad against the caliper housing until they are flush with each other. The pistons must be compressed in unison. Compressing only one piston will result in the other popping out of the piston bore.
Examine the old pads with the new units to make sure they are the same. Apply a brake anti-squeal compound to the new brake pads and allow to completely dry. Apply a light coat of lubricant to the retaining pin
Slide the new pads into the caliper. Reattach the retaining pin using a new cotter pin. Bolt the caliper back into the original mounting holes.
Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts. Remove the jack stands and lower the car.
Repeat the process on the other side. Brake pads should be replaced in pairs.
Check the brake fluid reservoir. Add additional fluid as needed. Close the hood.
Start the car and pump the brakes until they become firm.
Tips & Warnings
Replace or have the rotors resurfaced if they show any signs of deep grooves or damage.
Be careful when adding brake fluid, as it will strip away any paint it comes in contact with.
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