Changing Brake Pads On My Own

[Kurt Zee]

okay...i tried searching for this...but really didn't come up with anything for my questions. how long does it usually take to change the brake pads on my own? and with very limited tool choise....what all do i need.

i need to find out if doing it on my own is actually something i can do!! and timely answer would be great! thanx!!

[Vtolds]

You need a C-clamp for pushing the piston back in and a very large hex key something like a 1/2 inch or something. When I did mine I had to go buy a new set of hex keys just to get the larger one I needed. I would say for your first time could take a hour, it is really simple.

[misslindseysue]

I think all the bolts are metric, so just get a metric wrench and socket set. Then the obvious jack and stand. Remember to block the opposite rear wheel. It's not hard, shouldn't take you more than an hour for two wheels. You might need a clamp to get the calipers back on, too.

[alerochick242]

^ Yep, all of the bolts are metric (replaced my brake pads all the way around this past Wednesday). Fairly quick and very easy. I would recommend that you put some grease on the smooth part of the caliper bolts (just don't get any on your rotors- if you do, clean it off with brake or contact cleaner). It helps allow the pads to wear evenly.

[Vtolds]

Maby I am thinking of mu Cutlass but I could have swore the Alero also had hex head bolts holding the calipers on. no matter it is the same process.

[alerochick242]

^^ That's funny because when I was changing mine this week, I also could have sworn that the Alero had hex (allen) bolts. I'm pretty sure that I was just thinking of my bro's Monte SS that I just put brakes on. Btw, I think my Cutlass had hex bolts also. :)

[DRA-GON]

:thumb: I did my front pads and rotors 2 weeks ago , that hardest part is getting the tire off, I think you need a 14mm and 13mm socket for the calipers, but it is a very easy job to do. Give it a shot you will be suprised how easy it is.

[jamcllw]

My Alero doesn't use hex bolts. Mines used regular, I think, 14mm bolts. I had never heard of hex bolts on calipers until about 6 months ago when I did some brakes on a Blazer. Since then I've done brakes on a Monte, Cavalier and a Taurus and all had hex bolts.

[DRA-GON]

I think the HEX bolts are on the rear ones, but I may be wrong

[alerochick242]

^ Nope, no hex bolts on the rear... I'm pretty sure they are the same size, too.

[green99gls]

Hey Kurt this is Chris. I have changed my brakes a couple of times and its a piece of cake. If you can find your way back up to the university/harrisburgh area I will give you a hand. Feel free to drop me a PM or email me at x2c4me@hotmail.com

[Whitetigerboi83]

so yeah i gots a question... i had my rotors and pads replaced last august .. i was checking them tonight at my dads shop had three of 4 tires off becasue i can not get my rear driver tire off casue the a$*holes at the dealership used a air socket to tighten my lug caps (stock steel tires) and i go to take them off and .. well they dont come off now .. but anywho my rotors have a 1/8 inch gap around each stud.. even the rears is this common? or should i take them back and say you f**kers :gun: fix it... :blink:
my step dad said they shouldn't be that way.. becasue theres no way for them to be centered before putting or after putting the tire back on.. i think thats whats causing my slight stering wheel shake at higher speeds but who knows.. but still you would think the dealer would let you know........ help me out here i might take picts tomorrow to show you what i'm talkin about :pissed:

[sound_xtreme]

^your dad is a moron

actually, you're sposed to open the bleeder valve so any dirt you push into the caliper is expelled through that, and if you open the bleeder you dont need a c-clamp as it's real easy to push in with it open

and yes, almost every bolt(most likely all) on alero's are metric.

and no, none of the bolts regarding brakes on Alero's are hex bolts.

[RoninKouga]

Originally posted by Whitetigerboi83@Sep 8 2005, 04:51 AM
i think thats whats causing my slight stering wheel shake at higher speeds
Quoted post


ur stwheel pulsates only when braking? or at all?

[Whitetigerboi83]

Originally posted by RoninKouga+Sep 11 2005, 06:25 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RoninKouga @ Sep 11 2005, 06:25 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'>
<!--QuoteBegin-Whitetigerboi83@Sep 8 2005, 04:51 AM
i think thats whats causing my slight stering wheel shake at higher speeds
Quoted post


ur stwheel pulsates only when braking? or at all?
Quoted post
[/b][/quote]
only at higher speeds i get a slight wobble since i had the new rotors put on and when braking even at slower speeds but the rotors are smooth the pads have even wear on then .. but like i said there is a 1/16th-1/8th of an inch gap around each stud on all the rotors.. is this common for stock? ..

And no my step dad is not a moron, his a Certified Master Mechanic all makes and models including motorcycles