How to do a Front Brake Pad Replacement
on Chevrolet Malibu (1997-2003)

Stopping is often one aspect of the driving experience that is taken for granted, but it is also one of the most important parts to consider. The worst time to remember your brakes is when they're overdue for maintenance. Forgetting or delaying break pad or drum replacement can lead to a ride that is noisy, uncomfortable, and unsafe for you and your car.

Replacing your front brake pads and changing your rotors, will improve breaking performance, and ensure smooth, safe stopping. Inspecting and caring for your brakes will not only improve safety, it will make driving more relaxed and enjoyable.

This is one situation where we want to create some friction, so let's learn how to keep the heat on the break pads and off of the driver. Remember, we want to help make replacing your brakes a hassle-free experience. Whether its tools, car parts, or other auto accessories you're looking for, we have the selection and expertise to help you get the job done.

Every vehicle is different. When it comes to maintenance and repairs, always follow the vehicle's owner's manual.

Safety should be your number one priority. Don't smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or wear a necktie while working on the car. Watch out for hot objects, sharp instruments, hazardous materials and other potential safety hazards in and around your workspace.

Don't work with a Philips when the job calls for a flat. Substituting tools can compromise your safety or your vehicle's performance.

Finally, when the fun turns to frustration, or if the job requires specialized knowledge beyond your capabilities, please do not attempt it yourself. Talk to a Parts Pro or seek the assistance of a professional mechanic or installer. The last thing we want is someone getting hurt.

How to Remove Front Brake Pads
	Disconnect the negative battery cable.
	Remove and throw away 2/3 of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir.
	Loosen the lug nuts on both front tires
	Raise and support the vehicle with jack stands.
	Remove the front tires.
	Install a couple lug nuts on each rotor, finger tight only. This will hold the rotor in place when we remove the caliper.
	Using a "C" clamp positioned on the housing & the outer brake pad, push the piston back into the housing until the caliper is free to be removed from the rotor.
	Remove the caliper bolts.
	Place the caliper out of the way.
	Tip: Use some mechanics wire to support the caliper; this will prevent undo stress on the brake hose. NEVER let the caliper hang from the brake hose, this will damage your brake hose.
	Remove the brake pads and sliders from the caliper bracket.
	Inspect all the brake hardware, caliper, & rotor for damage, replace as necessary.
	Tip: You should always have your rotors machined if you are not replacing them with the brake pads. See your local PartSource to have you rotors or drums machined.
	Remove the finger tight lug nuts holding the rotor on.
	Remove the rotor and have it machined or replaced.
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How to Install Front Brake Pads
	Install new or machined rotor; install a couple lug nuts finger tight to hold rotor in place until the caliper is installed.
	Using the "C" clamp push the piston back into the bore of the caliper.
	Install the inner brake pad.
	Install the outer brake pad.
	Install brake sliders & pads onto the caliper bracket.
	Install the caliper on the new or machined rotor.
	Tighten caliper bolts to specified torque.
	Remove the couple of finger tight lug nuts holding the rotor in place.
	Install the front tires, loosely tighten the lug nuts.
	Remove jack stands, and lower the vehicle.
	Tighten lug nuts to specified torque.
	Top up the master cylinder reservoir with NEW brake fluid.
	Connect the negative battery cable.
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See you local PartSource for FREE print out instructions including specified torque specs, and figures.