Is it very difficult to change the brake pads in an 01' Chevy Malibu?

[Hank]

My grandfather has a lot of basic tools in our garage. We also have a jack with stands that i would of course use. I don't know a ton about cars, but i'd like to learn, i thought this might be something easy to do and from most of my searching on google it appears that most people deem this as a relatively simple task. I wasn't able to find anything on my specific model though so i wasn't sure if someone might be familiar with it.

Also, i read that i should take my rotors in to have them checked or something when i do the brakes? What is that about and where exactly would i take them?

thanks
Also, i was planning on going to the Library to pick up a copy of the car manual(lost my original). Will it detail pretty good in their the whole process?

 

[aylaa_e]

it shouldn't be too difficult if you know what you're doing, you have st of the tools that you will need and yes the manual will make it easier. You wouldn't have to take them to get checked but its better if you did.

 

[Texas Underdog]

First look at some of the web sites at:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=enq=replacing+brake+pads

Then go to one of your local auto parts stores (Auto-Zone, NAPA, CarQuest, etc.) and get a repair manual for your make and model, (not a car manual like the one that came with the car).
While you are at the auto store ask them about the prices of different brands of pads, and what they recommend as far as how to replace them - advice is FREE.
They can also tell you if that particular store can Turn (smooth down by grinding machine) the brake rotors, and if they can't they can recomend a place to get it done.

It has been my experience that the caliper piston may start leaking after a brake pad replacement. This is because you have to squeeze the piston back into it's housing in order to make enough space for the new thicker pads to fit back onto the rotor, which forces the dirt and rust into the rubber seal. Be careful with this step and clean it as good as you can.

Good Luck - It's really not that hard.

http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/howto/articles/43787/article.html
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P.S. Don't let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Get a bucket (turned up side down), or other support device to rest it on, so it doesn't put the all the weight on the hose.

 

[bandit_60]

they are simple to change if you got the know how. if your brakes are still working good and no shaking then you do,nt have to get the rotors done. you need a ratchet, an extention and either a allen head bit or a star bit to take the bolts out. you will need a c-clamp to push the piston back in and you will see 2 sleeves where the bolts goes through, you will need to tap them back so the caliper will fit back down over the rotor. make sure the slides where the caliper slides on that they are clean from rust and swipe a little grease, not too much on the slides. i could show you if i were there better then tell you. if your not really sure then you better not tackle tat job. brakes are 1 of the most important safety features on the car.