Brake pad replacement

[jordan]

I'm a bit fuzzy on this step for replacing brake pads. I was reading the GM service manual and the Haynes manual for my Alero on how to change the front brake pads. Now both sources say to empty 2/3 of the brake fluid out of the reservoir. I talked to some people at part stores and mechanics and they think that is a weird thing to do. They say to just use a large C-clamp and compress the piston as is. One mechanic said to pump the brake pedal 20 times with vehical off and then compress the piston.
What is the proper, yet easy, way to replace brake pads on the Alero??

[Cyber Knight]

C-clamp worked like a charm for me, just put a piece of wood or metal over the whole piston so when you tighten the clamp it applies the pressure to the entire piston evenly and it will go in without much effort at all. Out of the 3 cars on which I've replaced pads, this was the easiest.

[jordan]

you didn't need to remove brake fluid or pop the hood for any reason such as too remove brake fluid so that there was less pressure?

Nope, and if you don't have a piece of wood or metal handy, use the old inboard pad to brace the clamp and compress the piston. Just be sure to pump the brakes back up afterwards with it running, and check your fluid level- sometimes some fluid will come out of the overflow while compressing the pistons.

It's best to remove the cap on the brake fluid before you clamp the piston. You won't get any built up pressure then. And clamp it slow, and watch the fluid level so it doesn't overflow.