Changing ABS Pads

I want to change the brake pads on a 2003 Cavalier with ABS brakes. Do I need to do anything special? I plan on using a c-clamp to push in the pistons but have heard that this can damage some abs systems.

I have heard rumors to this effect also,but have never had a problem with the standard procedure.If you are concerned about damaging the system,open the bleeder when you depress the piston to stop any rust or water that was in the system from backing into the line.

I usually use a long screwdriver or pry bar with very light pressure. I just stick it in the rotor vents and pull gently. Usually a little faster than a C-clamp. Good Luck.

yeah you should be fine using the standard procedure... i go through brakes every 3 months because I ride the hell out of them :( But ive changed my brakes about 5 times and besides going through rotars and brake pads like crazy nothing else seems to be wrong

The damage you heard of is the C-clamp pinching the wire or the pick-up that senses the wheel ring movement. How you get the clamp in a position to do this is beyond me as these parts are not near the pads or the caliper.

Sorry I meant to mention this in my previous post.

I usually use a long screwdriver or pry bar with very light pressure. I just stick it in the rotor vents and pull gently. Usually a little faster than a C-clamp. Good Luck.


This is what i use... A c-clamp is too much work for me, so i have a flat head screw driver i bent with a welding torch to get more leverage with and it works great....the only thing you might want to also watch out for is if your master cylander is really full of fluid make sure it dosn't come out of there.... brake fluid is a bitch to paint....g'luck and try a screw diver... its also a little quicker...