Replaced Brake Pads Today...

[seadoons]

So I did my first brake job on my truck today (at 90,000 miles). It was about time for the rears to be replaced but I went ahead and did all four. Man...the front pads had an amazing amount of life left on them but I still changed them out.

 

We struggled getting the 18MM bolts off on the rear and realized after getting them off that it looks like the factory put lock-tite on them. Do I need to re-apply this? The fronts were a breeze with tht T55.

 

I didn't touch the rotors - they seem fine. I did not bleed the system or really anything else - just pads!

[Bish]

So I did my first brake job on my truck today (at 90,000 miles). It was about time for the rears to be replaced but I went ahead and did all four. Man...the front pads had an amazing amount of life left on them but I still changed them out.

 

We struggled getting the 18MM bolts off on the rear and realized after getting them off that it looks like the factory put lock-tite on them. Do I need to re-apply this? The fronts were a breeze with tht T55.

 

I didn't touch the rotors - they seem fine. I did not bleed the system or really anything else - just pads!

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

3 brake jobs in 180K and I have never used loctite and never had a problem. I figure they are torqued pretty tight and I've never noticed them getting loose.

 

I would strongly suggest bleeding. I do every year just to clear out any moisture in the system. Tends to keep the spongy pedal to a minimum.

 

I have also had zero luck re-using rotors. They either can't be turned or they warp shortly after getting them turned. I think they make rotors so light on the 1500 that they loose too much mass to dissipate heat after they are turned and then they warp.

[gmcjoe]

No loctite required

 

I can also recommend bleeding the brakes.

[MS3DALE]

No loctite required

 

I can also recommend bleeding the brakes.

 

 

 

 

 

I'll third the "no-loctite" and "bleed the brakes"

[alvocado]

So I did my first brake job on my truck today (at 90,000 miles). It was about time for the rears to be replaced but I went ahead and did all four. Man...the front pads had an amazing amount of life left on them but I still changed them out.

 

We struggled getting the 18MM bolts off on the rear and realized after getting them off that it looks like the factory put lock-tite on them. Do I need to re-apply this? The fronts were a breeze with tht T55.

 

I didn't touch the rotors - they seem fine. I did not bleed the system or really anything else - just pads!

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I doubt they used loctite at the factory. My caliper bolts were pretty tough to break loose as well and the torx bolt isn't the easiest to grip into. I would be surprised if your rotors are still within spec with 90k miles on them even if they aren't warped. You'd have to remove them to have them measured with calipers. Make sure to torque your wheel lugs properly as this will help prevent rotor warping. You should torque all of the brake system nuts to proper spec when you do maintenance.

[Wingnut]

I'll second the 18mm bolts on the rear being a bear to get off. My impact wrench wouldn't budge them.

 

I was under there with a 1/2" drive, two foot long breakover bar for what felt like forever getting those stupid things off.

 

I feel your pain man.

[Bish]

So I did my first brake job on my truck today (at 90,000 miles). It was about time for the rears to be replaced but I went ahead and did all four. Man...the front pads had an amazing amount of life left on them but I still changed them out.

 

We struggled getting the 18MM bolts off on the rear and realized after getting them off that it looks like the factory put lock-tite on them. Do I need to re-apply this? The fronts were a breeze with tht T55.

 

I didn't touch the rotors - they seem fine. I did not bleed the system or really anything else - just pads!

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I doubt they used loctite at the factory. My caliper bolts were pretty tough to break loose as well and the torx bolt isn't the easiest to grip into. I would be surprised if your rotors are still within spec with 90k miles on them even if they aren't warped. You'd have to remove them to have them measured with calipers. Make sure to torque your wheel lugs properly as this will help prevent rotor warping. You should torque all of the brake system nuts to proper spec when you do maintenance.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

They definitely use loctite from the factory. When I pulled mine the first time, you could clearly see yellow/orange still on the threads. A mechanic at a local Chevydealer confirmed this to me as well.

[seadoons]

Yeah...they did use locktite because I could see the yellow stuff on the threads once they finally came out. The T55 on the fronts were surprisingly easy to break loose.

 

So, based on this thread, I will not make a point to put locktite back on them but I will check them every once in a while. Also, I might go ahead and replace the front rotors as I do feel a slight vibration coming off of highway speeds.

[RyanbabZ71]

Thanks for making me think about changing brakes (sarcasm). I have to do the fronts on my impala.

 

What pads did you go with?

[gmcjoe]

I know this wasn't directed at me, but I just replaced all four rotors and pads with Powerslots & Hawk pads from www.buybrakes.com - best deal around.

 

They are even cheaper then my cost for new GM components.