Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safely lifting the car. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To secure the rear wheels.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Socket wrench set: Various sizes, likely including 13mm, 14mm, and possibly others.
* Wrench set: Open-ended and/or combination wrenches.
* C-clamp or caliper compressor tool: To compress the caliper piston.
* Brake cleaner: To clean brake parts.
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster): To help loosen rusted bolts.
* Torque wrench: To tighten bolts to the manufacturer's specifications (crucial for brake system safety). Consult your repair manual for torque values.
* Safety glasses and gloves: Protect yourself from injury.
* New front brake pads and rotors: Ensure you get the correct parts for your 1998 Chevy Malibu.
* Repair manual: A shop manual specific to your vehicle is highly recommended. It will provide detailed instructions and torque specifications.
Steps (General Outline - Consult your repair manual for specifics):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
2. Lift and Secure: Use the jack to lift the front of the car and securely place it on jack stands.
3. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
4. Remove the Caliper:
* You might need to remove a caliper mounting bolt(s). Penetrating oil may be helpful if they're stuck.
* Carefully remove the caliper. You may need to support it with a bungee cord or wire to keep it from hanging by the brake line.
5. Compress the Caliper Piston: Use a C-clamp or caliper compressor tool to push the caliper piston back into the caliper. This makes room for the new, thicker brake pads. Be careful not to damage the piston or seals.
6. Remove the Old Brake Pads: The old pads should now slide out easily.
7. Remove the Old Rotors: Remove the rotor retaining screws or bolts (if any). The rotor might be slightly seized on the wheel hub. You might need to gently tap it off using a rubber mallet. Avoid damaging the wheel hub.
8. Install the New Rotors: Clean the wheel hub thoroughly before installing the new rotors. Make sure they seat properly.
9. Install the New Brake Pads: Insert the new brake pads into the caliper.
10. Reinstall the Caliper: Carefully reinstall the caliper onto the mounting bracket, making sure the caliper slides freely. Reinstall the mounting bolts.
11. Reinstall the Wheel: Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts. Do not fully tighten them yet.
12. Lower the Car: Lower the car from the jack stands.
13. Tighten Lug Nuts: Fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
14. Check for proper operation Carefully check for clearance and smooth movement. Pump the brake pedal several times. Ensure the brake pedal feels firm.
15. Test Drive: Take a short test drive to ensure the brakes work properly. Be cautious at first.
Important Considerations:
* Brake fluid: While not directly part of pad/rotor replacement, if you're dealing with a significant amount of brake pad wear, the fluid level in the master cylinder might be low. Check and top it off if necessary using the correct DOT-rated brake fluid. Never let your brake fluid get dangerously low.
* Bleeding the brakes: It's generally not necessary to bleed the brakes after replacing pads and rotors, but you may want to do it as a preventative measure. Consult your repair manual on the proper procedure.
* Safety: Brake work is crucial for safety. If you are unsure about any step, seek professional help. Incorrectly installed brakes can lead to accidents.
Remember, this is a general guideline. Always consult a repair manual specific to your 1998 Chevy Malibu for detailed instructions and torque specifications. Using the wrong torque can damage components or lead to brake failure. Your safety is paramount.
