- Brake pads (4)
- Caliper bolts (2)
- Caliper bracket bolts (2)
- Jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Screwdriver
- C-clamp
- Piston spreader
Changing the Brake Pads
1. Prepare your vehicle. Park your vehicle on a level surface. Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down. Jack up the front of the vehicle until the front wheels are off the ground. Place jack stands under the frame of the vehicle to support it. Remove the lug nuts and take off the front wheels.
2. Remove the caliper. Use a screwdriver to pry the dust cover off the caliper. This will expose the caliper bolts. Use a wrench to loosen the caliper bolts and remove the caliper from the rotor. Be careful not to let the caliper hang by the brake line.
3. Remove the brake pads. Once the caliper is removed, you can take out the old brake pads. Simply pry them out with a screwdriver.
4. Compress the piston. Before you can install the new brake pads, you need to compress the piston back into the caliper. To do this, you can use a C-clamp. Place the C-clamp on the piston and tighten it until the piston is fully compressed.
5. Install the new brake pads. Once the piston is compressed, you can install the new brake pads. Simply slide them into place in the caliper.
6. Reinstall the caliper. Once the new brake pads are installed, you can reinstall the caliper. Attach it to the rotor and tighten the caliper bolts. Be sure to snug up the caliper bolts evenly.
7. Reinstall the wheels. Reinstall the front wheels. Lower the jack and remove your jack stands.
You have now successfully changed the brake pads on your 1997 Chevy Blazer.
Test the brakes
Be sure to test your brakes before driving. Slowly and gently press on the brake pedal until you feel the brakes engage. The pedal should feel firm and responsive. If the pedal feels spongy or goes all the way to the floor, there is a problem with your brakes and you should not drive the vehicle.
Brake pad replacement safety
Brake pads are a critical component of your vehicle’s braking system, and it is essential that they are in good condition. If you are not comfortable changing your own brake pads, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
