C6 brake pad R&R question

[Jeffrey G.]

This might not be an appropriate question for this forum, please forgive me, any help or advise is appreciated.
About how difficult is it to change the brake pads on a 06' Corvette?
Last Fall I ordered GM ceramic pads to cut the brake dust on my 06' Z-51 equipped Corvette, I didn't get to install them and with Spring coming I'm thinking I'd like to install them myself. I'm somewhat handly and would think nothing of changing the brake pads myself on my 67'. But, I never worked on a newer Corvette, should I just bring it to the dealer or give it a try myself?

[Terry M.]

Re: C6 brake pad R&R question

There is much more information about C6 Corvettes over at Corvette Forum dot Com. I know the Z06 brakes can be a real booger to get those little screws out. Chevrolet glued them in. I am not sure about the Z51 brakes, however. Do a search over at Corvette Forum and see what the archives have on it -- I'm sure there is something.

[Joe L.]

Re: C6 brake pad R&R question

This might not be an appropriate question for this forum, please forgive me, any help or advise is appreciated.
About how difficult is it to change the brake pads on a 06' Corvette?
Last Fall I ordered GM ceramic pads to cut the brake dust on my 06' Z-51 equipped Corvette, I didn't get to install them and with Spring coming I'm thinking I'd like to install them myself. I'm somewhat handly and would think nothing of changing the brake pads myself on my 67'. But, I never worked on a newer Corvette, should I just bring it to the dealer or give it a try myself?

Jeffrey-----


I don't think you'll find it very difficult, at all. If you can change them on a 1967, I think you'll have no trouble with the C6, even though the calipers are much different.

One thing I would suggest, though, as I always do: if you're going to do any work on a Corvette, make sure you have the GM service manual for your year model. Yes, these things are expensive but you need them if you're going to do any work on your car. This does not mean, of course, that the manual will enable you do do anything described within its covers. However, it will provide you all of the procedures and cautions. Most important and valuable of all, it allows you to review a service procedure and decide if it's within your skills and capabilities. If you avoid just one trip to the dealership service department, it will have paid for itself. I have never owned a car for which I did not purchase the factory service manual.

[Clem Z.]

Re: C6 brake pad R&R question

This might not be an appropriate question for this forum, please forgive me, any help or advise is appreciated.
About how difficult is it to change the brake pads on a 06' Corvette?
Last Fall I ordered GM ceramic pads to cut the brake dust on my 06' Z-51 equipped Corvette, I didn't get to install them and with Spring coming I'm thinking I'd like to install them myself. I'm somewhat handly and would think nothing of changing the brake pads myself on my 67'. But, I never worked on a newer Corvette, should I just bring it to the dealer or give it a try myself?

i have found after 4/5 thousand miles the brake dust becomes less. the ceramic pad will wear your rotors more than the factory pads and they seem to need more pedal push to get the same stopping power. i just blow the wheel dust of with compressed air. JMHO

[John D.]

Re: C6 brake pad R&R question

Jrffrey
Hope this helps


jd



2006 Chevrolet Corvette | Corvette (VIN Y) Service Manual | Document ID: 1674761
Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement (J56)



Callout
Component Name
Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution in the Preface section.
Preliminary Procedures

1. <LI type=1>Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir. <LI type=1>If the brake fluid level is midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, no brake fluid needs to be removed before proceeding. <LI type=1>If the brake fluid level is higher than midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding. <LI type=1>Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

1
Disc Brake Pad Pin, Outboard (Qty: 4)
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
Procedure

Hand install the disc brake pad pins while gently rocking the disc brake pads. The pins should require little effort to install.
TightenProcedure

Hand install the disc brake pad pins while gently rocking the disc brake pads. The pins should require little effort to install.
TightenProcedure

Using a brake pad spreader tool, compress the brake caliper pistons into the caliper bores.
4
Disc Brake Pads, Center (Qty: 2)
Procedure

Using a brake pad spreader tool, compress the brake caliper pistons into the caliper bores.
5
Disc Brake Pads, Leading (Qty: 2)
Procedure

1. <LI type=1>Using a brake pad spreader tool, compress the brake caliper pistons into the caliper bores. <LI type=1>Install the leading disc brake pads with the wear sensors on the trailing edge of the brake pad during forward wheel rotation, if equipped. <LI type=1>After the installation is complete and with the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance. <LI type=1>Slowly release the brake pedal. <LI type=1>Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 3-4 until a firm brake pedal is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads. <LI type=1>Fill the master cylinderreservoir to the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling .
2. Burnish the brake pads and rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .

[Jeffrey G.]

Re: C6 brake pad R&amp;R question

Great replies, thank you!

[Terry M.]

Re: C6 brake pad R&amp;R question

Those do look like the same bolts on the Z06 brakes. There have been a lot of issues with the hex head style shown in that drawing, and more recent brake bolts use a Torx head bolt. Removal is not as simple as the drawing or instructions make it appear because a thread locking compound is used. There are some work-arounds. Look it up over on CF.