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How To: 09+ Front Brake Swap

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95K views 315 replies 62 participants last post by  ken23434  
#1 · (Edited)
Disclaimer
The community here at 355nation.net urges you to please use caution and seek professional assistance when performing modifications to your vehicle. Before attempting any modification it is advised that you refer to your Colorado or Canyon service manual or contact a certified mechanic as not all GMT355 trucks are the same. The staff and the associated members are in no way responsible for any damages, injuries or other harm inflicted to your vehicle or yourself which may result in attempting these modifications. The posts and content presented on this site reflect in no way the views of 355nation.net or it’s ownership.

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A 355nation How To presented by
05blackcolly & thethein11

Project Name
How To Swap Brakes from an 09+ to a 04-08

Project Description
Swapping over rotors, calipers + bracket, pads, and dust sheilds from an 09+ Colorado/Canyon

The reason for doing this is the larger size Rotors, Calipers / Pistons, & Pads for improved breaking. Size difference can be seen in Parts List.

You must run 16s or bigger to do this swap


Skill Level
Moderate to Difficult

Project Vehicle
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Colorado
Year:2005
Engine: 2.8L
Power windows: No
Sun Roof: No
2WD or 4x4: 2WD

Tools Needed
Air Gun
Zip ties (or whatever you use to secure the caliper when it is unbolted)
Flathead screwdriver
BFH
Brake cleaner
Brake fluid
C Clamp
Sockets:
  • 21mm
  • 17mm
  • 15mm
  • 13mm
  • 12mm
  • 7mm
  • Swivel / Extension

If you don't have access to a lift and air tools additional tool are listed below:
Tire Iron
Wheel Chocks
Jack
Jack Stands
Pry Bar

Also here is the link for the Z85 brake change it is pretty much the same as this one but might help anyone not using air tools http://www.355nation.net/forum/how-...rum/how-chassis-suspension/43423-how-remove-hub-rotor-2wd-z85-brake-change.html

A special thank to ed-flip who without this would not have happened as quickly as it did and never for as cheap. :355group:


Parts Needed
09+:
  • Rotors (05 Left / 09+ Right)
    Image

  • Calipers (05 Left / 09+ Right)
    Image

  • Caliper Brackets (09+ Left / 05 Right)
    Image

  • Pads
    Image

  • Dust Shields (05 Left / 09+ Right)
    Image

  • Hardware for Pads

It is highly suggested to have backup ABS sensors for your year vehicle on hand in case you break them during installation

Project Time
2.5hrs with lift and air tools

Project Cost
Varies. A good price list the parts is here http://www.355nation.net/forum/brakes/32970-brake-upgrade-09-brakes-front-04-08-355s.html

This was done on a 2WD with the coil spring front suspension your vehicle will differ from this how to if it is 4x4. Please refer to this how to for 4x4s http://www.355nation.net/forum/how-...forum/how-chassis-suspension/29509-how-front-hub-wheel-bearing-replacement.html



Always remember to use safety devices such as wheel chocks and jack stands.

  1. Jack up vehicle and remove front wheels

  2. Unbolt Caliper from Caliper Bracket 2 x 13mm blots (zip tie out of your way)
    Image


  3. Unbolt Caliper Bracket from Spindle 2 x 21mm bolts
    Image


  4. Unbolt ABS sensor wire from Spindle & UCA 7mm & 13mm blots
    Image


  5. Unplug ABS sensor wire and pop clips from UCA so wire can be removed with Sensor & Hub
    Image
    Image
    Image

    photo credit: DustinJ88

  6. Break bolts from Rotor to Hub loose but do not remove 6 x 17mm
    Image


  7. Unbolt Hub from Spindle 4 x 15mm blots
    Image
    Image


  8. If you can wiggle the Hub and Rotor out then do that maybe even a little persuasion with the BFH here.

    We could not wiggle it out even with bashing the hell out of the old Rotors.

    So wedge some metal (a couple of sockets in our case) in between the lower mounting tabs for the shock and the Rotor.
    Image


  9. Then start the truck and use the power steering as a press to press the Hub off a little then finish removing by wiggling and hammer a needed
    Image
    Image


  10. Remove Hub and Rotor from Spindle be careful to guide the wire through the spindle
    Image


  11. Remove old Dust Shield
    Image

    It might be possible to reuse the old dust shield as it look to be the same size as the 09+ version. I am not sure if they will be a direct fit because of the curved lip around the edge of them but I am sure with a little moding they could be made to work.
    Image


  12. Finish unbolting Rotor from Hub (Never set Hub down with ABS sensor on bottom it will break)
    Image


  13. Bolt up new 09+ Rotor to hub 6 x 17mm
    Image


  14. Put new Dust Shield on and put Rotor/Hub/Dust Shield assembly back on to Spindle
    Image


  15. Line up bolt holes and bolt the Hub to the Spindle 4 x 15mm (This is a good time to use some of that brake cleaner)
    Image
    Image


  16. Bolt new 09+ Caliper Bracket to Spindle reusing original bolts 2 x 21mm
    Image
    Image


  17. Install Pad Hardware and Pads
    Image

    Image

    Pay attention to where the little metal tap is on the inner pad in the lower left corner
    Image


  18. Install 09+ Caliper use C Clamp if necessary to push pistons back (Use the 13mm bolts that come with the 09+ calipers and calipers brackets they are different then the 04-08 ones)
    Image

    Caliper to Caliper Bracket bolt: 09+ on left 05 on right
    Image


  19. Unbolt Brake line from old Caliper and Bolt to new one 1 x 12mm
    Image

    Image


  20. Repeat process on other side

  21. Now that you have made it this far I assume you know how to bleed the brakes but if you don't Let me google that for you

  22. Put wheels back on and lower truck

  23. Enjoy the upgraded stopping power

  24. Remember to re-torque bolts after 250 miles or 1 week of driving

Before:
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After:
Image
 
#13 ·
For anyone looking to do this swap we have a set of 05 ABS / wheel speed sensors for the 2WD.

Our plan is to pass the sensors around to whoever is doing the swap.

When we did mine we did not break either of them so now Lee has them as backup for his swap. All we ask is that if you break a sensor and need to use one of the backups buy another one to replace it and pass them along to the next person.
 
#18 ·
Yeah I got everything for free from ed-flip only thing I did buy was dust shields but before I talked to ed I did buy another set of calipers and brackets that I gave to lee for helping me do this and the use of his shop.

ed-flip said:
the overall cost was free :).....Billy edit that first post with a shout out to me player.:thumbup:
Click to expand...
Hell yeah you the man.

WTRacing said:
very nice write up!
Click to expand...
Thank you.
 
#23 ·
Yes stopping power is greatly increased the pedal feels much firmer.

I know for me my truck does not kick on ABS as quickly as it use to (it was extremely sensitive before) now it stops as it should. I am much more confident in my ability to stop the truck when needed.

05blackcolly said:
the difference in stopping power is pretty impressive IMO. i havent looked yet, but i plan to run some upgraded pads and rotors.
Click to expand...
You already have upgraded pads :thumbup:
 
#30 ·
not sure if sloted rotors are avaible for the 09 and up ones yet?
 
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