How to Replace Brake Pads on a Geo Metro

The Geo Metro was manufactured from 1989 to 1998 before being absorbed by General Motors and re-branded as the Chevy Metro. The 1995 model was equipped with front anti-lock disc brakes. Geo recommended replacing the brake pads on the Metro every 50,000 miles or soon after the brake pad wear indicators are heard making contact with the front rotors during braking. Change the pads at your earliest opportunity to save the rotors from heavy scoring from the wear indicators.

Park the Geo on a flat surface, apply the parking brake, and pull the hood release lever. Turn the engine off and move to the front of the vehicle.

Lift the hood and remove the master cylinder cap. The cap is located in the back of the engine compartment (near the firewall) just to the right of the engine.

Remove two-thirds of the brake fluid inside the master cylinder reservoir with a syringe or turkey baster. Place the cap loosely over the container.

Loosen the front wheels' lug nuts with the lug wrench.

Lift the front of the Geo with the jack and place two jack stands under the axles for support.

Remove the lug nuts and the front wheels.

Remove the two caliper slide pins on each caliper with the 13 mm wrench.

Lift the caliper from the caliper bridge and rest it on top of the steering arm above the Metro's wheel hub.

Remove the brake pads from the caliper bridge. The brake pads come off in three parts: the shims, the anti-squeal pads, and the brake pads themselves.

Inspect the rotor for damage. Replace the damaged rotor if necessary.

Place the channel-lock pliers over the caliper piston and the back side of the brake caliper. Squeeze the piston into the side of the caliper with the pliers.

Put the new brake pads, shims, and anti-squeal pad together. The new pads will come with instructions detailing the process. Place the pads into the caliper bridge slots.

Return the caliper over the new brake pads and caliper bridge.

Replace the caliper slide pins and screw them in with the 13 mm wrench.

Repeat the process on the other front wheel brake assembly.

Replace the Geo's front wheels onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts by hand.

Lift the front of the Metro and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Return to the driver's seat.

Start the Geo. Press the brake pedal all the way to the floor, release it slowly and depress the pedal again to reset the caliper pistons. Move to the engine compartment.

Remove the master cylinder cap and place a funnel into the reservoir. Fill the container with DOT-3 brake fluid until the master cylinder is full.

Remove the funnel and replace the master cylinder cap. Close the Geo's hood.