How do you replace brake rotors on a 1976 corvette?

Answer 1

I just replaced mine. Let me start by say I am not a certified mechanic. I did this job with the a Hayes workshop manual that i got with the car when I bought it. If you can afford one , about $20 from any auto parts store get one if not feel free to ask questions and I will try to answer.

If they are still the factory rotors/disc you will need to drill out the rivets. (Your new rotors/disc are held on by the wheel lug nuts) This is pretty easy on the front because you can remove the hub and use a drill press. The back is done while on the car, a little harder but not bad. The most important thing to remember is to use a center punch and center the hole in the rivet or you will drill into the hub. Start with a small drill bit and work your way up until the rivet falls out.

Keep in mind that it is suggested that you you replace the brake pads when replacing the disc.

The rear is a disc/drum as it has both pad and shoes.

Assuming you have the wheel off and the caliper removed ( you don't need to take the brake line off of the caliper, just use a piece of wire and hang it out of the way)

on the front

If the rivets have already been drilled out the rotor/disc will just come of the studs and replace it with a new one. Then replace the caliper and wheel.

If not on the front..

Remove grease cap from hub. It can be pried off with a screw driver

remove cotter pin, nut and washer from the spindle and remove hub, being careful not to drop the bearing

once the hub is off you will need to drill out the factory rivets. Once this is done you will want to inspect the bearings and races for wear or damage before you put the hub back on. If they are questionable replace them along with the grease seal before you install the hub. If the bearings are good repack the bearings with grease and install the hub back on the spindle. You must replace the grease seal.

The end play of a properly adjusted wheel bearing is between .001 and .005 in

With the hub installed install the rotor and caliper. Then install the wheel.

On the rear..

The rear brakes are shoe and disc. The shoes are used for parking brake.

Again take care to center the drill in the center of the rivet. Drill out the rivets and remove the drum. You should be able to turn the disc/drum freely before you remove it.

Install your new disc/drum taking care not to damage the shoes. Make sure that adjustment hole on the hub and disc/drum are lined up or you will not be able to adjust the parking brake.

If you have trouble getting the drum on the shoes you will need to retract the shoes by lining up the hole in the hub with the adjustment screw and retracting the shoes.

Once the disc/drum is installed turn the adjustment screw to expand the shoes until the drum is locked up then back off 6 to 8 notches.

Install the caliper and wheel.

Before lowering the car check the rear parking brake. With the bake disengage the wheels should turn freely. When the lever is fully engaged (14 clicks) the wheel should be locked. Release the lever and there should be no evidence of brake drag.

If you are uncertain of any of the above steps have a mechanic do the work. Remember the brakes are what stop your car and if not done correctly you or someone else could get hurt or die.