Your Chevy Blazer is only as reliable as its brakes. A large vehicle like the Blazer needs good brakes even more than other vehicles. If you're finding it harder to stop or hear any grinding noises, get the brakes fixed immediately. The most common method of fixing the brakes is to simply replace the brake pads within the caliper, which need replacement every 60,000 miles at the most. But other parts, like the calipers and discs, might need replacing too.
Instructions
- 1
Drain 2/3 of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir using a siphon or similar device. Raise and support the Blazer's front or rear end on jack stands--whichever end you are fixing the brakes on--and remove the wheels. Place the lug nuts on the wheel studs to keep the brake disc in place.
2Clean the entire brake assembly with aerosol brake cleaner, using a drain pan to catch the residue. Don't use compressed air or any petroleum-based solvents to clean the brakes.
3Remove the lower mounting bolt on the brake caliper and swing it upward to access the brake pads. Pull the pads out of the mounting bracket followed by the upper and lower pad retainers. Replace the retainers with the pads if they are distorted or cracked.
4Inspect the condition of the brake caliper and replace it if it is cracked or damaged in any way. To remove it, disconnect the brake hose by removing the inlet fitting bolt and plug the hose with rubber immediately. Remove all the caliper's mounting bolts; hold the rear caliper's slide pins with an open-end wrench so they won't turn while removing the bolts.
5Replace or refinish the brake disc if there are deep grooves in it. Disconnect the caliper mounting bracket after removing the caliper by removing the bracket bolts, then remove the wheel lug nuts and pull the disc off. Cut away any retaining clips on the studs if they are there.
6Install all repaired or replaced parts in reverse order of removal, starting with the disc, mounting bracket, pads and caliper. Apply an anti-squeal compound to the backs of both brake pads before installing them. Compress the caliper's piston into its bore with a C-clamp so the pads will fit.
7Bleed the brake system if you needed to disconnect the brake hose from the caliper. Place a clear tube on the caliper's bleeder valve with the tube's other end in a container of brake fluid. Have an assistant repeatedly press the brake pedal as you open the bleeder valve until all air is purged.
8Replace the wheels and lower the vehicle after changing the brakes on both sides of the Blazer. Refill the master cylinder reservoir with fresh brake fluid. Seat the bake pads by pressing on the pedal until it feels firm.
