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Chevrolet Uplander Brakes and Rotors

62 messages,  Last post on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:44 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Uplander, Van

    

Messages Page 6 of 7

#43 of 62 Brake Caliper Bolts by tommie_d

Mar 26, 2012 (11:20 am)

Do the brake caliper bolts have left handed threads? I would not think so but I can not get them broke loose on my 07 uplander. I have done about a dozen or more brake jobs in my lifetime but I'm not a mechanic, just a parts changer with basic hand tools. This should be a very simple job but using a brakeover bar with a 15mm socket and all my might I ended up splitting a brand new 15mm Craftsman socket down the side. Any suggestions out there on getting them loose?
Thank You for your help,
Tommie D

#44 of 62 Re: Brake Caliper Bolts [tommie_d] by 442dude

Mar 28, 2012 (6:41 am)

Replying to: tommie_d (Mar 26, 2012 11:20 am)
No - all are standard thread, did all 4 not so long ago on our 08 - they are REALLY tight and they use threadlocker to hold them in when they build them. I broke a 3/8" drive socket too. I used a 1/2" drive socket and a bar and a hammer and I was finally able to get them to move. Also - use a 6 point socket so you can put more force on it with less worry about stripping it. They tend to have thicker walls too...
 
I'm just a parts changer too so I understand exactly what you're going through.

#45 of 62 Re: Brake Caliper Bolts by tommie_d

Apr 01, 2012 (8:48 pm)

Well I went out and bought a 18" brakeover bar and a 15mm 1/2" drive socket and presto! they came loose but boy were they tight. The threads of the bolts were rusted when they came out, Not real sure if that was the problem or not but the fronts are done and next weekend I will change out the rear pads. So far I'm very happy with our uplander, 96,000 miles and this was the first time anything has been done to it besides regular fluid changes and the first set of tires at 79,000 miles.
Thanks again!

#46 of 62 Re: Brake Caliper Bolts [tommie_d] by 442dude

Apr 06, 2012 (4:59 pm)

Replying to: tommie_d (Apr 01, 2012 8:48 pm)
Hey Tommie -
 
When you change the rear pads, do yourself a favor and buy the special tool to back out the calipers...it looks like a little metal block...you back out the rear rotors by turning them with the special tool...not by using a c clamp to push them back in...
 
You might already know this but I figured I'd put it out there in case you weren't aware of it...also, when you push them back in, before you do anything notice the orientation of the tabs on the pistons and make sure that before you put on the new pads that the tabs are in the same orientation...otherwise your pads won't self adjust...
 
Like I said, you might know this already, just wanted to throw it out as a tip since I've already done the rears on our Uplander....
 
 

#47 of 62 Re: Brake Caliper Bolts [442dude] by tommie_d

Apr 08, 2012 (4:58 pm)

Replying to: 442dude (Apr 06, 2012 4:59 pm)
Wow I wish I would have seen your post before I started on the rears today. Guess What! I pulled the right rear caliper off, switched out the pads, grabed the C-clamp to push the piston back in and..... No Joy! It was even a pain to get the old pads back on. So the piston screws back in with the special tool? Is this a dealer only item or might one of the part stores have this tool?
Thank you again!!!!

#48 of 62 Re: Brake Caliper Bolts [tommie_d] by 442dude

Apr 08, 2012 (6:45 pm)

Replying to: tommie_d (Apr 08, 2012 4:58 pm)
You can get the tool at any parts store, no need to go to the dealer. I got mine at auto zone, it was under $ 10.00. I think they call it a GM rear disc brake tool. Its basically a square metal cube that fits on the piston. You have to screw the piston back in with a ratchet and the tool and you're good to replace with new pads.

#49 of 62 Re: Brake Caliper Bolts [442dude] by 647hotord

Apr 21, 2012 (9:26 am)

Replying to: 442dude (Apr 08, 2012 6:45 pm)
any idea what happens if you don't get the brake tool, and manage to compress the piston anyways? does my dad need a new caliper?

#50 of 62 Re: Brake Caliper Bolts [647hotord] by 442dude

Apr 22, 2012 (9:59 am)

Replying to: 647hotord (Apr 21, 2012 9:26 am)
Yikes!..How did you get it to compress?
 
I can't say for sure but if it took an extreme measure to compress it I would say it should be checked out by a professional at the very least. Most times people can't get it to budge without the tool...

#51 of 62 Re: Brake Caliper Bolts [442dude] by labaker1960

Apr 23, 2012 (1:44 am)

Replying to: 442dude (Apr 22, 2012 9:59 am)
I made the tool out of the old pad, by cutting off one side of the pad. and taking off the remaining pad material.
 
I had a 2006 and just got tired of the brake issues. The van was the family vehicle and I hate to say it but it is the worst GM vehicle I have ever owned.
 
I have worked on cars since I was 7 years old and have done all my own work. This vehicle has the worst designed brakes that I have ever seen. I changed the front and back brakes at the same time and within about 6 months the rear brakes were gone but the fronts were fine. I also had multiple issues with the sliding doors and the brake dust the covered the wheels was bad. Wash the car and within the week the wheels were black with dust again.
 
I traded it off and got an import.

#52 of 62 Astro a great van by labaker1960

Apr 23, 2012 (3:16 am)

I had a 1985 and a 1999 Astro and they were great, but I wanted a van that got better gas milage, so I got the Upland. The tag said it was estimated at 28 MPG highway, 3.5L. What a joke, it got about the same as the Astro's had less room and could not pull as heavy a load. The Uplander I had was fully loaded and and had 100 times the issues in the 57K miles and 5 years of owning it.
 
Example: my 85 Astro needed a new starter when it had 157K and new brushes ($3.15) for the altinator at 175K. It started smoking when I started it up after it sat for 3 years while I was stationed overseas. It never gave me any real trouble, except for the paint. The breaks on the van worked well and lasted for about 2 years front/ 4 years rear. I loved my Astro and wish I had never traded it in. The 1999 Astro was starting to have transmittion trouble so I decided to get the Uplander.
 
I have always bought Chevy, currently I have a 1967 3/4 ton pickup, 1979 El-Camino, 1984 S10 Blazer, (work in progress 1940 PU) and my first car was a 1968 Chevelle, 327. Then I bought the POS 2006 Uplander, this van has changed my mind on the way I buy cars.
 
1. THE WIFE HAS TO LIKE IT.
2. Safety: the car must have a good safety rating.
3. Warranty: a long warranty indicates to me that the company believes in their product.
4. Fuel economy: Gas prices are high and Chevy does not have the best MPG ratings
                            Electric cars do not have the range I need, but KIA has plans for one that
                            not only has the range but does not take forever to recharge, 8 -vs- 24
                            hours without special equipment.
 
These two are the first four categories I am looking for besides styling and comfort. I don't know why MPG is still so low, I had a 1983 Pontiac J2000 station wagon that got 39MPG and would drop to 36 when the plugs needed to be changed. My 68 Chevelle would get 16City and 21 highway. I also had a 91 GEO Metro that averaged 48 and the best I got was 53.9MPG.
 
Now I have an import and feel good about my purchase because I am not worried about making it safely to my destination.

Messages Page 6 of 7

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