Brake Pad/Rotors DIY?

[tmoorez06]

I'm considering replacing the brake pads and rotors on my 2006 Z06 myself. Having never done this before, I have been doing some research to determine if this would even be within my ability.

Having built and rebuilt bicycles as a kid and done some minor mechanical repairs on my motocross bikes in my younger years, my work on cars is limited to changing the air filter on my Z06, and changing flat tires on previous cars... pretty limited!

Initial google searches yielded youtubes of the procedure on non-vettes and looked pretty simple and straight forward. However; I wanted something specific on this procedure for a C6 Z06 when I came across this link:

Corvette C6 Z06 Brake Pad Change | 101 Corvette Projects

This looks very well within my abilities, however; I'd like feedback on this link as to its technical accuracy and if there's any caveats/details that have been ommitted.

So, for those that have experience and knowledge on this... (c4c5specialist are you there?) What do you think/suggest?

Thanks!

tmoorez06

P.S. I attempted to search/post this on the Z06 forum but could not get there. Technical difficulties maybe? Hopefully the problem wasn't between the chair and the keyboard.

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,

I do not suggest following that link.

There are several points that do not sit well with me at all.

Of course, that could be me being a total bitch, but there are a few things we would need to know to advise you correctly.

#1, what is your mileage??

#2, why are you doing your brakes in the first place ????

#3, do you have any brake rotor pulsation????

Please answer this and we can help further.

Allthebest, c4c5

[Smmmokin']

c4c5,

Could you be more specific as to what you don't care for in the above link?

Thanks!

Floyd

[NORTY]

OP~ The brakes on the Z06 are super easy to change the pads on. Set aside 2-3 hours so you can do it correctly. I have a couple questions for you first~

1. Which pads are you looking at using?

2. Have you priced the OEM pads?

3. How hard are you on your pads? Do you roadcourse your car?

4. If so, are you a fast driver?

5. What do your discs look like?

I took about 4 hours to do mine as I wasn't in a hurry and I cleaned the pistons prior to pushing them back into the bores. I've got no sticking pistons! I had 44,XXX miles on mine and still had 50% pad life on most of 'em. Some had 75% life left.

About trying to do anything in the "Z06 section," I've thrown in the towel and don't visit there anymore. (Altho I do know which oil filter to use in a C5!)

[tmoorez06]

c4c5:

#1, what is your mileage??

101,152 mi.

#2, why are you doing your brakes in the first place ????

With this much mileage, if they're not in need of replacing, they will be very soon. Most of my driving is on highway/freeways but still I would think my pads and rotors are getting very thin by now.

#3, do you have any brake rotor pulsation????

No rotor pulsation so far as I can tgell, however; my brakes do tend to sqeak much more ofter than ever before. I don't feel like the pads are completely worn out; however, I hope I haven't ground down to the calipers. Although I don't detect any metal-to-metal sound or grinding sensation yet.

NORTY:

1. Which pads are you looking at using?

I'm looking for OEM parts. Probably composite pads over ceramics.

2. Have you priced the OEM pads?

I have priced some parts, and figure maybe $600 - $700 for parts to replace front and back pads and rotors... but, if I can do it myself, save about $600 - $700 dollars worth of labor and parts markup. (Does this sound about right?)

3. How hard are you on your pads? Do you roadcourse your car?

I don't feel I'm overly hard on pads. I don't dive deep into corners and slam the brakes. Especially lately. Sometimes Houston traffic requires I be tough on brakes, though!

I don't track the car.. at least not yet

4. If so, are you a fast driver?

While driving down a piece of highway on the way home from work, if there's no traffic around, I do like to hit 100+ mph for a stretch. Another enjoyment I get is having the horsepower to manuever around/pass traffic going 70mph+ with such ease without being rude.

5. What do your discs look like?

My discs don't look bad. There's no deep scoring/grooves but they're about 1/16th " less thickness where they come into contact with the pads than the outer rim where there is no pad contact.


Thanks,

tmoorez06

[NORTY]

I priced your OEM parts~

Front pads..........$457
Rear pads...........$438

Front rotors..........$ 171each
Rear rotors...........$ 132each

These #'s are from my neighborhood Chevy parts guy.

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,

#1, using nothing but GM parts will be more expensive HOWEVER more reliable over the long term.

#2, the pad guidepins that the post is telling you that you do NOT have to replace is totally false. Those pins are engineered to be replaced when you replace the brake PADS because the pads slide and move on those pins. Any quality brake pad set will COME WITH THE PINS.

#3, in order to remove the pads, you do not have to remove the calipers, you can simply remove the guide pins and slide the pads out of the top of the caliper. Open the bleeder screw, and then use the tool shown below to push the pads back slightly before sliding them past the ridge of the brake rotor. Using a C-clamp on these calipers is ludicrous and dangerous. You can damage the caliper OR the piston, I have seen it done personally.

#4, you can see the caliper and pads set in below.

#5, this braking system was NEVER EVER engineered to accept one piece brake pads and even PBR themselves stated that using a 1 piece pad will result in premature pad taper and early replacement not to mention subpar braking system performance.

A torque wrench is critical for correct installation of the 21MM bolts and caliper guildepins that hold the calipers and pads to the spindles when you replace the rotors.

The squeaking noise has probably increased because of brake dust being compressed in the cross drilled holes and require cleaning with a 5mm drill bit if you intend to reuse them.

Allthebest, c4c5

[tmoorez06]

Originally Posted by NORTY

I priced your OEM parts~

Front pads..........$457
Rear pads...........$438

Front rotors..........$ 171each
Rear rotors...........$ 132each

These #'s are from my neighborhood Chevy parts guy.

Hmmm.. That seems high. This is what I've been able to find so far:

Front Brake Pads:
AC Delco 171-0959 Brake Pad Kit $249.88

Rear Brake Pads:
AC Delco 17D1185AMH Brake Pad Kit $210.53



Front Rotors:
ACDelco - Durastop 18A2535 Front Disc Brake Rotor $144.64 each


Rear Rotors

ACDelco 177-0925 Rotor Assembly $76.31 each

[tmoorez06]

Originally Posted by c4c5specialist

HI there,

#1, using nothing but GM parts will be more expensive HOWEVER more reliable over the long term.

#2, the pad guidepins that the post is telling you that you do NOT have to replace is totally false. Those pins are engineered to be replaced when you replace the brake PADS because the pads slide and move on those pins. Any quality brake pad set will COME WITH THE PINS.

#3, in order to remove the pads, you do not have to remove the calipers, you can simply remove the guide pins and slide the pads out of the top of the caliper. Open the bleeder screw, and then use the tool shown below to push the pads back slightly before sliding them past the ridge of the brake rotor. Using a C-clamp on these calipers is ludicrous and dangerous. You can damage the caliper OR the piston, I have seen it done personally.

#4, you can see the caliper and pads set in below.

#5, this braking system was NEVER EVER engineered to accept one piece brake pads and even PBR themselves stated that using a 1 piece pad will result in premature pad taper and early replacement not to mention subpar braking system performance.

A torque wrench is critical for correct installation of the 21MM bolts and caliper guildepins that hold the calipers and pads to the spindles when you replace the rotors.

The squeaking noise has probably increased because of brake dust being compressed in the cross drilled holes and require cleaning with a 5mm drill bit if you intend to reuse them.

Allthebest, c4c5

I knew I'd be a good idea to check with you on this before proceeding.

If and when you find the time and feel so inclined, could you verify that the parts list/part #s I described above are ok for my car. The rear rotors in particular. I could not ascertain that they were compatible with my car. I saw 2006 Corvette listed, but not Z06 in particular.

I will also probably like to pick your brain a little more later regarding your latest post... Like what is that tool (pad spreader )called and is it something I can buy at Sears or Lowe's? And instead of the clamp, do I need to buy another tool in its place? Is that what a "caliper tool" is for?

As always, your input is much appreciated.

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,

Please PM me your VIN and I can accurately assist you with part numbers.

Allthebest, c4c5