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:
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+:
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.
Before:
![Image]()
After:
![Image]()
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.
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.
- Jack up vehicle and remove front wheels
- Unbolt Caliper from Caliper Bracket 2 x 13mm blots (zip tie out of your way)
![Image]()
- Unbolt Caliper Bracket from Spindle 2 x 21mm bolts
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- Unbolt ABS sensor wire from Spindle & UCA 7mm & 13mm blots
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- Unplug ABS sensor wire and pop clips from UCA so wire can be removed with Sensor & Hub
![Image]()
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![Image]()
photo credit: DustinJ88
- Break bolts from Rotor to Hub loose but do not remove 6 x 17mm
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- Unbolt Hub from Spindle 4 x 15mm blots
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- 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]()
- 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
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- Remove Hub and Rotor from Spindle be careful to guide the wire through the spindle
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- Remove old Dust Shield
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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]()
- Finish unbolting Rotor from Hub (Never set Hub down with ABS sensor on bottom it will break)
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- Bolt up new 09+ Rotor to hub 6 x 17mm
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- Put new Dust Shield on and put Rotor/Hub/Dust Shield assembly back on to Spindle
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- 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)
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- Bolt new 09+ Caliper Bracket to Spindle reusing original bolts 2 x 21mm
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- Install Pad Hardware and Pads
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Pay attention to where the little metal tap is on the inner pad in the lower left corner
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- 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)
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Caliper to Caliper Bracket bolt: 09+ on left 05 on right
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- Unbolt Brake line from old Caliper and Bolt to new one 1 x 12mm
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- Repeat process on other side
- 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
- Put wheels back on and lower truck
- Enjoy the upgraded stopping power
- Remember to re-torque bolts after 250 miles or 1 week of driving
Before:
After:
