How to Replace the front brake pads on the Chevrolet Cruze 2011 to 2015

Introduction

Replacing the front brake pads on your Chevrolet Cruze (2011-2015) is a vital maintenance task that ensures optimal braking performance and safety. This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to help you complete this job effectively and confidently.

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

• Release the hood latch: Pull the hood release lever found on the driver's side kick panel.
• Open the hood: Lift the hood slightly, push the safety latch to the right, and fully raise the hood.
• Support the hood: Remove the hood prop rod and place it in the designated slot.
• Drain brake fluid:
  • Remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir.
  • Drain about one-third of the fluid into a container to prevent overflow when compressing the caliper pistons.
  • Replace the cap on the reservoir temporarily.

Step 2: Secure the Vehicle

• Apply the parking brake: Ensure the vehicle is secure.
• Chalk the rear wheels: Use wheel chocks to prevent rolling.
• Loosen lug nuts: Slightly loosen the front wheel lug nuts before raising the vehicle.
• Lift the car: Use a jack to raise the front of the car and support it on jack stands.
• Remove the front wheel: Take off the appropriate front wheel to access the brake assembly.

Step 3: Prepare the Brake Assembly

• Position a drain pan: Place it under the brake assembly.
• Clean the area: Use brake system cleaner to clean the caliper and surrounding area.

Step 4: Compress the Caliper Piston

• Use a C-clamp: Position a large C-clamp over the caliper and gently squeeze the piston back into its bore.
• Monitor brake fluid: As you compress the piston, ensure the fluid in the master cylinder reservoir doesn't overflow.

Step 5: Remove the Caliper

• Detach the brake hose: Remove the front brake hose from its bracket on the strut.
• Unscrew mounting bolt: Unscrew the caliper lower mounting bolt and pivot the caliper up to access the brake pads.

Step 6: Replace the Brake Pads

• Remove old pads:
  • Take out the inner brake pad from the mounting bracket, noting the wear sensor's location.
  • Remove the outer brake pad from the mounting bracket.
• Check retaining clips: Remove the upper and lower pad retaining clips from the caliper mounting bracket. Replace them if they are cracked or distorted.
• Install new pads:
  • Install the inner brake pad with the wear sensor at the top.
  • Install the outer brake pad into the mounting bracket.
• Lubricate guide pins: Remove and inspect the upper and lower guide pins for scoring or corrosion, lubricate them with high-temperature brake grease.

Step 7: Reassemble the Brake Components

• Position the caliper: Rotate the caliper down over the new brake pads.
• Secure the caliper: Install the caliper lower mounting bolt and tighten it to the specified torque setting.
• Repeat the process: Follow the same procedure for the other front brake pad.

Step 8: Final Checks

• Check brake fluid level: Inspect the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir and add new fluid if necessary until it reaches the max mark.
• Seat the pads: Pump the brake pedal several times to seat the pads against the disc.
• Reinstall the wheel: Place the front wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle: Carefully lower the car to the ground and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque setting.

Conclusion

You've successfully replaced the front brake pads on your Chevrolet Cruze (2011-2015). Remember to check the fluid level one more time on level ground and add more fluid if necessary. Always double-check your work to ensure everything is secure. Regular brake maintenance is crucial for your vehicle's safety and performance.