Chevrolet manufactured various trucks in 1980, such as the Blazer, Jimmy and Bravada. Each truck requires regular routine maintenance, including changing the brakes and sometimes the brake calipers. For your truck to continue to offer the highest performance, replace your brake at the first sign of wear and tear.
Tools Used: Floor jack, Mallet, Jack stands, Ratchet, Socket set, Pliers, Torque wrench, Mechanic wire, 8-inch C-clamp
Change Brakes & Calipers
Remove two-thirds of the brake fluid from the brake master cylinder reservoirs with a washed turkey baster. This prevents the brake fluid from overflowing when the brake caliper pistons retract inside the bore.
Elevate the Chevy truck with a floor jack and support the vehicle with jack stands. Remove the wheels and tires from the front of the automobile. Take of the lug nuts with a socket and ratchet.
Mount an 8-inch C-clamp over the brake caliper. The solid side of the clamp should touch the rear of the brake caliper and the screw should touch the center backing metal plate of the outboard pad. Tighten the C-clamp, so the brake caliper shifts to push the caliper piston in the bore.
Take off the two caliper mounting bolts from the rear of the brake caliper. When you are not replacing the brake caliper, lift it from the anchor plate or mounting bracket and use a wire to support it on the frame.
Remove the brake caliper completely from the truck, by separating the brake hose from the banjo bolt. Throw away the fitting washers and take the brake caliper out of the truck. Place it on a workbench. Note the position of the truck's components.
Take off the inner and outer brake pads from the brake caliper. Separate the spring clips from the brake pads. Use the same spring clips during installation. Remove the bolt ear sleeves and bushing for examining, lubrication and cleaning.
Examine the brake caliper. Look inside the unit for scoring or pitting. Replace the caliper if seriously damaged. Look for rust on the bolts and sleeves. Replace bolts if damaged.
Put silicone lubrication or a comparable oil to the mounting bolts. Install the brake caliper. Place the spring clips on the new brake pads. Attach the new brake pads to the caliper. Position the new caliper above the disc. Align the hole in the ear of the caliper with the mounting bracket holes and ensure the brake host is not twisted.
Connect a hose to the brake caliper, if you take the component out of the car completely. Keep in place with the new washers and banjo bolt. Use a torque wrench to torque the bolt 10 to 32 foot-pounds. Do not twist the brake hose. Place the mounting bolt into the bracket and caliper. Torque to 37 foot-pounds. Apply pressure to the brake pedal to accurately set the pedal.
Push the tabs with pliers so there is no clearance between brake caliper and ears. Examine space between the brake caliper and steering knuckle. Measure each of the brake calipers separately and add the numbers. The clearance ranges from .010 to .024 inches.
Slide the wheel and tire assembly into place. Take away the jack stands. Lower the automobile back to the ground. Refill the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Bleed air from the hydraulic system when the caliper disconnects.
Use a clean turkey baster to remove two-thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoirs. This stops the brake fluid from overflowing when the brake caliper pistons go in the bore.
Lift the rear section of the truck with a floor jack. Support the truck with jack stands. Remove the wheels and tires from the front of the automobile.
Position the drum in the same location as when you removed it. Return the wheels and tires. Get rid of the jack stands and place the automobile back to the ground.
Slide the brake drum off the hub studs. Tap the rear drum with a mallet to help remove it from the stud. Note the position of parts of the caliper assembly.
Tips & Warnings
Refer to the service manual to see a diagram with pictures of the components.
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