How do you install brake pads on a Chevy Cavalier?

Answer 1

Prep: Pop the hood and take off the brake fluid reservoir top( this will allow the caliper piston to be pushed back)

Tools: Large Allen wrench, med/large flat-head screw driver, STAR attachment

Assuming that you know how to take to tire off:

For the front left, turn the wheel all the way to the left ( help you get a better view) place a flat head screw driver between the rotor and the old brake pad, this make take a few mins. but your goal is to push the piston back so that it is flush or as far back as it can go.

Next, you are looking for 2 bolts these are hex bolts (they are not hex bolts. They are *STAR* bolts that are shaped like an asterisk* and require a special star tool you can get at any automotive parts store), unscrew the bolts and remove the caliper from around the rotor. The pad closest to the engine of the car just pops out of the piston ( the hollow circle that you pushed back) the other pad will take a little prying with your flat head screwdriver, but it is relatively easy to take off as well.

Next Simply replace the old pads with the new ones. When installing the new pads ensure that the shape of the pad is angled in the same way as the rotor.

Finally, place the caliper back on the rotor and tighten the screws back up and replace the tire... be sure to put the cap back on the brake fluid reservoir

Doing the right side is exactly the same with the exception of turning the wheel the opposite direction to get the best view..

==a tip when trying to push the piston back on the brake calipers, is to take a small c clamp and attach it to the caliper, leave the old inside brake pad in, to prevent damage to your piston, turn c clamp slowly, until piston bottoms out, and when replacing brake pads, a rule of the thumb is to have your rotors turned down, but its best to just replace them, since turning them down cost about 20 bucks, new ones cost about 30, and i never did have very good luck with turning them down, they seem to warp again!! god luck