Repair 7

How to Change the Front Brakes of an 86 Chevy Celebrity

The front brakes on your 1986 Chevy Celebrity operate by pressing pads against a rotor to slow or stop the car. The pads are held in place by the brake caliper that compresses against the rotor. The wheels are mounted to the rotors, which complete the braking assembly. When brake pads squeak, its time for replacement. Replacing the front brakes on your Chevy Celebrity requires caution since the repair is done under the car. Youll also need an assistant.

Instructions

1

Prepare the car for repair by parking it on a dry level surface. Put the car in park, turn off the engine but do not set the parking brake. Prevent the car from accidentally rolling during the repair by bracing the rear wheels using wheel chocks or bricks.

2

Lift the hood and locate the master brake cylinder reservoir. The reservoir is located on the upper-right side, mounted onto the firewall when facing the car. Remove the reservoir fill cap to release the pressure in the brake line.

3

Take out half the fluid in the reservoir using the turkey baster and discard. This will allow room for the caliper piston to retract as necessary during the pad installation.

4

Slide the floor jack under the front axle and lift the car to loosen the wheel lugs. The wheels should remain touching the ground to prevent them from turning. Loosen the lug nuts on both front wheels, and then raise the car higher to put the jack stands in place.

5

Place the jack stands directly under the axle and then lower the car down onto the stands. Be sure that the car remains off the ground for the wheels to be removed.

6

Remove the wheel lug nuts on the left side first and take off the wheel. Complete the entire brake pad replacement repair on this side before starting the opposite side replacement.

7

Locate and remove the two mounting bolts located on either end of the caliper using the socket wrench.

8

Lift off the entire caliper assembly and pads from the rotor. Remove and discard both worn brake pads. Allow the caliper assembly to rest on bricks or another suitable structure to prevent the caliper from simply hanging by the brake fluid hose line.

9

Push the caliper piston back into the caliper bore to create enough space for the replacement brake pads using the C-clamp tool. The new replacement pads are thicker than the worn pads, so the piston must be completely retracted into the caliper bore for them to fit.

10

Install both the replacement brake pads, being certain that they are seated correctly. Place the caliper assembly back onto the rotor and mounting bracket. Install and tighten the two mounting bolts using the socket wrench.

11

Repeat Steps 7 through 10 on the other brake assembly.

12

Refill the master brake cylinder reservoir with new DOT 3 rated brake fluid. Have an assistant press the brake pedal. Replace the reservoir cap and then release the brake.

13

Remove the cap and again have the assistant press the brake pedal. Replace the cap again and then release the brake to remove any trapped air within the brake line.

14

Mount the wheels and install the lug nuts on both sides using a crossing-pattern. Raise the car and remove both jack stands. Lower the car down to where the wheels are just touching the ground. Securely tighten all the lug nuts on both sides, again using a crossing-pattern.

15

Lower the car to the ground. Remove the jack and wheel braces. Drive the vehicle while making several sudden and abrupt stops to test the brakes. Recheck the brake fluid reservoir and add fluid as needed.