How to Replace Front Disc Brakes in a Chevy Cobalt

Offering great gas mileage and a roomy interior, 2005 through 2008 Chevy Cobalt models encourage you to spend a lot of time on the road. This means that you need to ensure that maintenance is performed timely to ensure that you can continue this and the many other features that you love about your car. One form of the maintenance is to replace the front disc brakes on your Chevy Cobalt.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Using a syringe or similar tool, siphon two thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder auxiliary reservoir. Jack the Cobalt up and secure it on jackstands. Remove the tire and wheel assembly leaving 2 lug nuts on to secure the rotor, temporarily, to the hub.

2

Compress the caliper piston into the bore using a C-clamp. The caliper needs to be compressed to the point where the caliper slides easily past the brake rotor. Disconnect the C-clamp and then slowly remove it from the caliper. Locate the brake caliper lower guide point pin and remove it.

3

Rotate the caliper without disconnecting the hydraulic brake flexible hose. Once the caliper is pivoted, using the mechanics wire secure it to the frame of the Cobalt. Disengage the brake pads that are attached to the caliper bracket. Ensure that the piston is compressed fully in it's bore.

4

Clean the areas where the brake pads connect to meet the caliper. Review the rotor and inspect it for corrosion. If there is corrosion, then replace the rotor. Review the brake caliper guide pins and boots for corrosion. If applicable, replace them at this time.

5

Using high temperature silicone lubricant for brakes, apply a very thin coating to the outer pad outside surface. Attach the brake pad retainers, installing them on the bracket caliper bracket. Remove the mechanic's wire and place the caliper over the brake pads to the caliper mounting bracket. Put the brake pads guide pin bolt in place.

6

Using a torque wrench, torque the brake pads guide pin bolt to 25-ft. lbs. Remove the lug nuts and reinstall the tire and wheel assembly. Apply the brake pedal two thirds of the way to the floor. Release the brake. Repeat this step 2 to 3 times to seat the brake pads. Add brake fluid.

7

Reconnect the negative battery cable. Test drive the Cobalt at a slow to moderate speed to ensure that the maintenance was performed correctly.