Any special tools for a brake job?

jaybs02 · 07-15-2007, 08:57 AM

Sorry if this has been asked.
I looked and found threads, on "how to replace brakes", and they said to remove the caliper bolts. I have had a number of GM's and it seemed that they had a special tool for that (and of course, never the same tool)
So I was wondering if there was anything special that I would have to pick up before I do my brakes.

TIA
"J"

jackal2000 · 07-15-2007, 11:39 AM

nothing special that i remember....besides a c-clamp to push the piston back before you put the new pads in.

DOHC_tuner · 07-15-2007, 12:05 PM

Im about to do my girls brakes on her alero and install my rims from my alero on hers since Im rebuilding the engine on my OLDZ. All you really need is some wrenchs, ratchet, sockets and some elbow grease. Once im done I'll tell you exactly what sizes you need.

myowneq · 07-15-2007, 03:13 PM

Tools required to do an easy job: 1/2" sockets (best, 3/8" works ok), a large C-clamp. Maybe a cheater bar if it's been a long while since your calipers have been off.

DOHC_tuner · 07-15-2007, 04:19 PM

Okay just finished changing the front brakes and putting my rims on my girls car. Now all you will need is a 12mm socket to remove the two bolts that hold the caliper on to the other thing. Remember just remove the caliper not the thing that holds the pads. If you pads are wore out really bad you will have to use the c clamp but I recommend removeing the brake resavoir cap to relieve the pressure. I just used a flat screw driver and a hammer to force the pipe thing that presses on the pads. Easy once you get the hang of it, good luck

jaybs02 · 07-15-2007, 05:15 PM

Thanks for the info, I have C clamps.

I have personally never found it necessary to remove the brake reservoir cover or remove any fluids when changing my brakes.

"J"

sound_xtreme · 07-16-2007, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackal2000

nothing special that i remember....besides a c-clamp to push the piston back before you put the new pads in.

open the bleeder and you can push it in by hand, you should anyways to release any dirt you might push back into the caliper when pushing the piston in anyways

Redog · 07-16-2007, 02:09 PM

A good rule of thumb. do one at a time, this way if can't figure out how to put it back, you can look at the other one

AGT · 07-16-2007, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackal2000

nothing special that i remember....besides a c-clamp to push the piston back before you put the new pads in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by myowneq

Tools required to do an easy job: 1/2" sockets (best, 3/8" works ok), a large C-clamp. Maybe a cheater bar if it's been a long while since your calipers have been off.

Irondogg recommends something else. Says C-clamps are "Crô-Magnon" but I didn't think Fred and Barney ever changed brakes haha