How to Change The Front Brakes on a 1993 Chevy Corsica

The front brakes on a Chevy Corsica need to be changed every 60,000 to 80,000 miles, or as soon as you hear grinding noises when you apply the brakes. A 1993 Corsica uses brake pads that are very specific to models from 1992 to 1996. They are retained within the caliper with springs, as opposed to many newer models, which have the pads secured within a caliper mounting bracket; as such, you may need t find a specialty shop to purchase replacement brake pads. The brake pads for both front wheels must be replaced at the same time.

Instructions

Siphon most of the brake fluid out of the car's master cylinder reservoir using a clean, unused turkey baster or similar siphon tool. Deposit the fluid in a container and check your local laws for proper disposal.

Raise the car's front end and support it on jack stands, then remove the front wheels. Place two lug nuts from each wheel on the wheel studs to keep the rotors in place.

Compress the caliper piston into its bore, using a large C-clamp on the top of the caliper housing and the back of the outer brake shoe.

Unscrew and remove the caliper mounting bolts, using an Allen wrench, and remove the caliper from the steering knuckle. Hang the caliper from the car body, using a strong wire bent into a hook and making sure that the brake hose doesn't stretch.

Disengage the buttons on the brake shoe from the holes on the caliper housing, using a pry tool. Remove both the outer and inner brake pads from the caliper.

Compress the caliper piston all the way in with the C-clamp over the piston and within the bore. Lift the boot's inner edge and press out any air, so that the boot lays flat.

Install the replacement inner brake pad in the caliper and snap its retainer spring within the piston. Install the outer pad, making sure it lays flat against the caliper and that its wear sensor is at the front edge of the shoe.

Connect the caliper to the steering knuckle. Apply and tighten the mounting bolts to 38 foot-pounds, if you have a torque wench available.

Press on the brake pedal at least three times after changing the brakes on both wheels, to seat the brake pads. The pedal needs to feel firm.

Reconnect the wheels and lower the car to the ground.

Refill the brake master cylinder with DOT 3 brake fluid.