The front brakes are decisive components of the braking method in your 1994 Chevy Blazer. In fact, the front brakes on your Blazer are responsible for providing approximately 70 percent of your SUV's stopping power. Because of this extra burden placed on the front braking system, the brake pads will tend to wear out more quickly and require more frequent repair than the back brakes. When it comes time to replace the front brake pads, you can save money by tackling the job yourself. All that's needed are a few simple tools and an hour or two of your time.
Instructions
1. Park your Blazer in a comfortable work area, on a flat surface, and engage its emergency brake. Open the hood and remove the cap from the master cylinder.
2. Decide on which side you wish to begin changing the brake pads: It can be either the left or right side, as you must change the pads on both sides, regardless. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel--do not remove them completely.
3. Jack the Blazer up, so that the tire is just off the ground, then place the jack stands under the frame. Finish removing the lug nuts and pull the wheel off the rotor.
4. Examine the rotor. If you notice that it's heavily worn or gouged, have it resurfaced or replaced before proceeding. If the rotor is fine, go ahead and locate the two bolts on the back of the caliper--one bolt is on top of the caliper and one on the bottom.
5. Loosen and remove the top and bottom caliper bolts, using your ratchet and socket. Once the bolts have been removed, lift the caliper off the rotor. Do not let the caliper just hang free after you've unbolted it, as this could potentially damage the brake line. Pull the old brake pads out of the caliper and place the caliper on top of the rotor.
When you're finished installing pads on both sides and have lowered the SUV to the ground, check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. If you discover that it's low, add more brake fluid to the cylinder.9. Continue turning the C-clamp until the piston is fully depressed inside the body of the caliper.
7. Insert the new brake pads, ensuring that they are placed in the same position as the old ones. After the pads have been installed, bolt the caliper back into place on the rotor. Make sure both bolts are completely tightened.
8. Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts, then proceed to install the new brake pads on the other side of the Blazer by repeating the exact steps above.6. Hold one of the old brake pads against the piston on the inside of the caliper. This will help protect the piston from damage. Tighten the C-clamp against the old brake pad.
Start your Chevy Blazer and pump the brakes a few times. As you pump the brakes, you should feel the pressure begin to rebuild in the system.
