Taking care of your brake inspections and maintenance can be a great way to save money because most of the parts are accessible to anyone with jack stands and practice handling tire changes. Replacing the parts as they wear down can be a challenge the first time, but since there isn’t a need for heavy equipment like an engine hoist, it’s more a matter of learning how to identify each part and what to do when they need to be replaced. Your basic brake system components are easy to spot with an illustrated guide and a little practice. They include all the following parts.
Typical use of dry break coupling is for the safe, non-spill transfer of chemicals, oil products, compressed gases and cryogenic LNG products.
- Brake pump
- Fluid reservoir
- Brake fluid lines
- Calipers
- Rotors
- Pads
The C1500 uses standard disc brakes in more recent models, but owners with older used models will want to double-check the build options on their vehicles individually. Even owners with late-model vehicles should double-check the options package included, to discover whether they are going to be maintaining and replacing the basic stock brakes or the performance brakes that are often included.
Performing Brake Inspections and Maintenance:
Most of the time, DIY brake maintenance doesn’t involve the brake lines or pump; it’s just a process of checking on and sometimes upgrading the parts that make contact and stop the car. Still, every proper brake inspection starts by checking out the fuel levels. It’s normal for fuel levels to drop as brakes wear even if there’s no leak in the system because the wear on the pads means that more of the fluid from the reservoir is required in the lines themselves to keep everything pressurized and ready for a quick response when you tap the brake pedal. You might need to top it off.
Next up, you need to check out the pads, rotors, and calipers. Most of the time, if the pads are in good condition, the other two main system components are also doing okay. Sometimes, though, surface rust can build up on the rotors and reduce their efficiency. It’s also common for calipers to partially malfunction and become sticky as they age, so check thoroughly. If your brake pads are below the manufacturer’s recommended minimum width, it’s time to replace them. Luckily, learning how to replace brake pads is a simple task you can follow up on with minimal research. If you also need rotors or calipers replaced, that might take littler research beyond the basics, but they aren’t tough to take off and put back on.
Where To Find Your Brake System Supplies:
All the parts you need for regular brake maintenance, and simple repairs can be found at the same place you already trust for your Chevy C1500 oil filters and other supplies. Whether you’re upgrading to a performance pad set or just buying some brake fluid to be ready when it needs topping off, your supplies are only an order away online or a quick trip in when you need to pick something up right away. It’s even comfortable to put in a particular order if you need something harder to find, like an upgraded pump for an old brake system.