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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2003TRAILBLAZER 4.2 S, 4WDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 1360 (DISC BRAKE SYSTEM)REPAIR INSTRUCTIONSBRAKE PADS REPLACEMENT - FRONTINSTALLATION PROCEDURE
2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WD

Installation Procedure

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WDSECTION Installation Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    Fig 1: Compressing Caliper Piston
    GM728143Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  1. If the caliper piston is not compressed into the caliper bore, complete the following steps:
    1. Place an old brake pad (2) or a block of wood against the caliper piston.
    2. Install a large C-clamp over the body of the brake caliper.
    3. Position the ends of the C-clamp against the rear of the caliper body and against the pad or the wood.
    4. Tighten the C-clamp in order to compress the caliper piston into the caliper bore.
    5. Remove the C-clamp.
    2. Fig 2: Brake Pad Components
    GM815525Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  2. Install the upper brake pad retainer (4) to the caliper bracket.
  3. Install the lower brake pad retainer (9) to the caliper bracket.
  4. Install the inner wear indicator (3) to the inner pad (10).
  5. Install the outer wear indicator (5), if equipped, to the outer pad (6).
  6. Apply disc brake grease to both sides of the inner pad insulator (2).
  7. Install the inner pad insulator to the inner pad.
  8. Install the inner insulator (1) to the inner pad insulator.
  9. Install the inner brake pad to the caliper bracket with the wear indicator facing upward.
  10. Apply disc brake grease to both sides of the outer pad insulator (8).
  11. Install the outer pad insulator to the outer pad (6).
  12. Install the outer insulator (7) to the outer pad insulator.
  13. Install the outer brake pad to the caliper bracket.
    14. Fig 3: Disc Brake Components
    GM817140Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. Install the caliper housing (10) to the caliper bracket (14).
    15. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
  15. Install the caliper bolts (11,18).

    Tighten:  Tighten the bolts to 34.3 N.m (25.30 lb ft).

  16. Install the tire and wheel assembly to the vehicle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  17. Lower the vehicle.
  18. With the engine OFF, gradually apply and release the brake pedal several times in order to position the caliper pistons and the brake pads.
  19. Fill the master cylinder fluid reservoir. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  20. Burnish the pads and the rotors. Refer to Burnishing Pads and Rotors .
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.