How to Fix Sticking Brakes on a Silverado
by Shayrgo Barazi
Dragging brake pads on a Chevrolet Silverado will cause the pads and rotors to prematurely wear. When replacing brake pads, there are a few things you should do to ensure the pads and rotors have the longest life as possible. Rather than rush through a simple brake job, take the time to service the brakes properly to maximize braking efficiency and brake life.
Step 1
Lift the Chevrolet Silverado with the jack and place it on jack stands.
Step 2
Remove the wheels with a lug-nut wrench and set them aside.
Step 3
Remove the caliper with a ratchet and use a bungee cord to hang the caliper. Do not let the caliper hang from the brake hose as it might break and cause fluid to leak.
Step 4
Pull the brake pads out of the brake caliper bracket. If they don't come out easy, you can use a flathead screwdriver to pry between the brake pad and the rotor.
Step 5
Sand the brake pad holder with 500-grit sandpaper until you see bare metal. If any corrosion remains on the holder, the brake pad will stick.
Step 6
Sand the edges of the brake pad where it makes contact with the brake pad holder. Sand until it is smooth.
Step 7
Place the brake pads back into the brake caliper bracket.
Step 8
Remove the pins from the caliper and clean them of any grease. Place new brake anti-seize onto the pins and put them back into the caliper.
Step 9
Open the master cylinder reservoir so you don't break a seal while compressing the brake caliper.
Step 10
Compress the brake caliper with a C-clamp so the caliper can fit over the new brake pads. Install the caliper by securing it to the brake caliper bracket with a ratchet.
References
- Automotive Brake Systems; Jeffrey Rehkopf; 2006
Tips
- A brake caliper compressor might work better for you than a C-clamp.
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Ratchet
- Sockets
- Flathead screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Brake anti-seize
Warnings
- Wear safety glasses while working on your brakes.
Writer Bio
Shayrgo Barazi is a college graduate with a degree in automotive engineering technology (B.S.c.) from Ferris State University. He is a successful writer and has taken a college level technical writing course. He currently works for Time Wave Media writing automotive DIY articles. He has an intuition for technology and has the capacity to write, too.
