how to repair brakes?

Question

How to repair the front brakes on a 1998 GMC jimmy 4X4, fluid is leaking from caliper, asmall amount.

Answer 1

As I have stated many times if you ask how to repair brakes then take it to a shop and have them done right. Brakes are a big safety concern for you and others around you, if they don't work someone is going to get hurt.

Answer 2

Do not attempt to fix calipers, swap em whole for units that have already been rebuilt. On GM trucks, good rebuilt calipers are dirt cheap, so rebuilding them yourself makes no sense at all. Use a higher level auto parts store like NAPA (one that mostly sells to repair shops) ... don't go with the local well-lit auto parts emporium . with the low-end junk from the local chain. These are your brakes!

Try to avoid "loaded" calipers, those come with cheap-*** brake pads already in 'em. Go with pads of the quality you prefer. However if your rotors are scored, you'll NEED to replace pads. (and should really really replace rotors too.... that's a dirty job! :-o)

It helps to bring the old caliper in, or at least have the part #'s off of it, because on many GM trucks they use more than one type of brake setup and year/make/model isn't enough to tell which one you need.

On GM you'll need a funny hex wrench to remove the pins the brakes ride on. Buy new pins and O-rings too, they're not that expensive and the old ones will be beyond saving.

You'll also need a 6" C-clamp to compress the calipers to get em off.

You don't have to replace both calipers. However, you do need to BLEED both calipers. And very often, the bleeder screw is rusted solid. If so, you'll need to replace that caliper too, because you NEED a working bleeder screw. With luck you can leave the rear brakes alone, but if in any doubt, don't fool around, bleed them too and yes, that means replacing cylinders if the bleeder screws are frozen. Again, rebuilt cylinders are dirt cheap on GM trucks.

While you're in there, check pads and rotors, and shoes and drums. Replace em if they're anywhere near due, since you're in there anyway.

When bleeding make sure you keep the reservoir fairly full, because if you drain the reservoir dry you'll have to start bleeding all over again. I've tried various gadgets to do that job solo, but nothing has really worked except for having an assistant pump the brakes at the right time. Never reuse brake fluid. If the stuff looks red, it's become very oxidized and you should bleed all 4 corners until you don't see red anymore.

After this, your truck should brake like a new truck. If not, take it to a shop. Probably all it would need is a proper bleed.

Answer 3

I'm 53 years old. I've done as much of my own car repairs since I was 16.

If there's anything I've learned, it's that a factory build is best. If you can get a good unit from a wrecking yard, it's better than fixing it yourself.

I've also learned that buying a rebuilt unit at an auto parts store beats rebuilding something yourself any day of the week, . . . twice on Sunday.

Brakes are one of the simplest things on a car to do. I wish all my cars had disc brakes, but none of them do. Disc brakes are easier to work on than drum brakes.

Disc brakes are like legos, you just snap off the pieces that need replacing, and snap in new or rebuilt replacements.

You're in better shape than you think.

Change out your caliper.

Oh, Pilgrim's axiom #1 of auto repair: "If it works, don't fix it"

In other words, if only the left one is leaking, don't replace the right one. Replace pads across an axle to be sure, but a leaky caliper on my car would get replaced one at a time.
.

Answer 4

I looked over the answers and they look pretty good.

I don't think you should do the brake job,take it to a shop like Midas or something. The only other thing is if you have a friend who has done the work before and is very knowledgeable about cars when have him show you how to do it and work along your side to get it done. Things like turning the rotors still has to be done at a garage with a brake lathe. But if you pull the rotors , they will charge you less.

Answer 5

You are dealing with your safety here. Don't space off.
Replace the caliper, and preferably both.
Replace the pads at the same time.
As for the instructions, refer to a quality repair manual for instruction relating to the replacement, bleeding and reassembly.
Don't forget to thoroughly inspect the brake hoses. Major weak point, usually overlooked.
If you aren't sure, or your mechanical skill level isn't where you are confident in your ability, don't be ashamed to take the vehicle to a pro. Your life (and ours) could very well depend on it.

Happy Motoring

Answer 6

Pull the calliper & pop the pistons, if the bores are scored you need another calliper, if the seals have failed rebuilding it is a simple job. BUT........... we are talking brakes here, if you have any doubts get a competent mechanic to do the job. Good luck!.

Answer 7

Change the caliper...check brake hoses, repeat for other side.