How do you Put Back Brakes on a 2005 Chevy Malibu?

Answer 1

The brakes on your 2005 Chevy Malibu require replacement every 25,000 to 35,000 miles, depending on how aggressively you brake the vehicle when driving it. Many people opt to have a repair facility change the brakes because they don't want to chance installing them incorrectly. However, because the rear brakes on the Malibu are disc breaks, the rotors are replaceable without fear of causing a safety issue.

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step 1

Loosen the lug nuts that secure the rear tire to the wheel studs with a tire iron. Do not remove the lug nuts.

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Step 2

Jack the rear of the vehicle off the ground and place a jack stand under each side of the axle. Lower the Malibu onto the jack stands. Place a wheel chuck in front of the front tire to secure the vehicle.

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Step 3

Remove the lug nuts from the wheel studs and pull the rear tire off the vehicle.

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Step 4

Remove the two bolts that secure the brake caliper to the axle housing assembly with a 7/16 socket.

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Step 5

Pry the caliper off the rotor by wedging a large flat head screwdriver between the outside edge of the rotor and the inside edge of the caliper. Pull the handle of the screwdriver upward, using the side of the rotor for leverage.

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Step 6

Tie the caliper to the rear spring with rope. Do not allow the caliper to hang down on the rubber hose--the hose could break.

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Step 7

Locate the splined washer press fit onto one of the threaded wheel studs. Press a small flat head screwdriver into the spline and bend it outward. Pull the splined washer off the wheel stud with needle nose pliers.

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Step 8

Slide the rotor off the wheel studs by pulling straight out on it. Due to rust, the rotor may stick to the studs. Tap on the back of the rotor with a rubber mallet to break it loose from the studs. Place the new rotor onto the wheel studs and slide a new splined washer onto the wheel stud.

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Step 9

Open the hood of the Malibu and take the cap off the brake fluid master cylinder. It is located on the fire wall, driver side.

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Step 10

Locate the brake actuator located behind the brake pad on the caliper. It is behind the backside brake. Place a pair of vise grips around the back of the caliper and on the brake pad and apply pressure to the actuator. Close the actuator approximately 1 inch to allow room for the new brake pads.

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Step 11

Pull the old brake pads out of the caliper. They do not bolt on or attach with clips; they simply rest on tabs built into the caliper. Place the new brake pads into the caliper.

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Step 12

Press the caliper onto the brake rotor and line up the bolt holes on the caliper with the bolt holes on the axle assembly. Bolt the caliper into place with the 7/16 bolts.

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Step 13

Turn the Malibu on to turn on the power brake assist and press the brake pedal until the pedal becomes firm. Turn the vehicle off.

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Step 14

Place the cover back onto the brake fluid master cylinder.

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Step 15

Place the tire back onto the wheel studs and secure it with the lug nuts. Remove the Malibu from the jack stands and tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron.