How to Change the Front Brakes on a Corsica

The Chevy Corsica premiered in late 1987 as a 1988 model. It was related to the Chevy Beretta, but was more of a family sedan with four doors. The Corsica featured front disc brakes and there was a slight design change in the calipers and pads in the second generation of the vehicle in 1992 until GM Motors stopped production on the vehicle in 1996. No matter what year, the procedure to replace the front brakes is fairly similar.

Instructions

1

Remove half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir in the engine compartment using a clean brake fluid baster. Dispose of the fluid safely--its highly toxic.

2

Apply the parking brake of the Corsica, which should be on a flat, hard surface.

3

Loosen the front lug nuts with a breaker bar and lug socket and then lift the vehicle with a lifting jack. Support the Corsica onto jack stands, placed on the front frame rails.

4

Remove the lug nuts and then remove the tires.

5

Compress the caliper piston on one side. On 1988-1991 Corsicas, use a 12-inch pair of adjustable channel locks. Adjust the pliers over the inboard brake shoe tab and the inboard caliper housing so that the caliper piston bottoms in its bore. On 1992-1996 models, install a large C-clamp over the top of the caliper housing and against the back of the outboard shoe. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston is fully compressed inside the caliper bore.

6

Remove the caliper mounting bolts and sleeve assemblies using the ratchet with a 3/8-inch male hex-head socket. Remove the caliper and hang it from the coil spring with a wire hook. A metal coat hanger can be bent to make a makeshift hook to support the caliper. On 1988 to 1991 models, the outboard pad will drop from the caliper upon removal.

7

Remove the outboard pad from the caliper on 1992 to 1996 models by prying off the metal retaining clips with a small pry bar. On all year models, pull the inboard pad out of the caliper piston. It is retained by a metal clip on the backing plate of the pad pressed inside the piston.

8

Remove the rotor if youre replacing the rotors. A couple of stiff whacks from behind with a hammer will remove a stubborn rotor stuck to the wheel hub, if necessary.

9

With a stiff-bristled wire brush, clean the upper and lower flat surfaces of the knuckle that mate with the caliper. After they are cleaned, apply a light coat of anti-seize compound on them.

10

Spray the replacement rotor with brake cleaner spray to remove the anti-rust coating. Spray front and back and, with a clean shop rag, wipe off the coating and spray. Place the rotor onto the hub and apply a lug nut onto one of the studs farthest away from the caliper placement. This will hold the rotor in place.

11

Insert the inboard pad into the caliper piston by pushing it into the piston until the retaining clip holds it in place. Place the outboard pad onto the caliper and hold it in place on the first generation Corsica. On the second generation Corsica, hook the metal retaining clips onto the outboard caliper housing and align the clips to the indents on the housing.

12

Unhook the caliper and place over the rotor, making sure you have not twisted the brake hose. Apply a liberal coat of anti-seize compound to the smooth sleeves of the caliper bolt and sleeve assemblies. Align them into their respective holes in the rubber bushings and tighten them with the ratchet and hex-head socket.

13

Replace the tire and lug nuts and tighten the nuts as snugly as you can with the vehicle suspended. Repeat Steps 5-13 for the other front brakes.

14

Lower the Corsica to the ground and then torque the lug nuts at 100-foot pounds with the torque wrench and the lug nut socket.

15

Be sure the master cylinder cap snapped in place securely and then pump the brake pedal of the Corsica until it feels firm. Remove the master cylinder cover again and add brake fluid if necessary. Only add new brake fluid.

16

Release the parking brake and test drive.

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