Tools required to change brake pads on 2003 impala

Removal & Installation

1. Siphon 2 / 3 of the brake fluid out of the master cylinder.
2. Mark the relationship of the wheel to the wheel stud for re-installation purposes. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Install 2 lug nuts to secure the rotor in place when the caliper is removed.
4. Install a large C-clamp over the top of the caliper housing and against the back of the outboard shoe. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the caliper pistons are pushed into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper assembly off the rotor. Use care not to tighten the C-clamp too far or the outboard shoe retaining spring will be deformed and require replacement.
5. Remove the caliper mounting bolts and remove the brake caliper from the mounting bracket.
6. DO NOT disconnect the brake hose from the caliper or allow the brake hose to support the weight of the caliper. Support the caliper on a piece of wire out of the way.
7. Remove the outer brake pad from the caliper using a suitable prying tool to lift the outboard shoe retaining spring so that it will clear the caliper center lug and pull the brake pad out of the caliper.
8. Remove the inner brake pad by unsnapping the shoe springs from the piston.
   

1. Clean all parts well. If the brake pads were worn so badly that the brake rotor is damaged, it must be replaced. Light scoring of the rotor surfaces not exceeding 0.060 inch (1.5mm) in depth is not harmful to brake operation and may result from normal use. Brake rotors may be refinished. Do not use a rotor that, after refinishing, will not meet the thickness specification cast in the rotor. Always replace with a new rotor.
2. If not done at removal, now use a C-clamp and clamp both pistons at the same time with a metal plate or wooden block across the face of both pistons. Take care not to damage the pistons or caliper boots.
   NOTE After bottoming the pistons into the caliper bore, lift the inner edge of each caliper boot next to the piston and press out any trapped air. Make sure each boot convolution is tucked back into place. Boots must lay flat.
3. Inspect the caliper bushings for wear. Replace as necessary. Carefully inspect the slide bolts for corrosion. If corrosion if found, use new parts including the bushing assemblies when installing the caliper. Do not attempt to polish away corrosion. Lubricate caliper slide bolts with silicone grease.
4. Install the new inner disc brake pad in the caliper by snapping the shoe retainer springs into the piston making sure both sets of locking tabs are seated in the caliper pistons. The pad must seat flat against the pistons.
5. Install the outer pad into the caliper by snapping the outboard shoe retaining spring over the caliper center lug and into the housing slot. The pad will slide up onto the caliper and the retaining ring will lock into place on the groove in the caliper.
6. The outer pad wear sensor should be at the trailing edge of the shoe during forward wheel rotation.
7. Install the caliper mounting bolts and torque to 80 ft. lbs. (108 Nm).
8. Remove the 2 nuts temporarily securing the rotor.
9. Install the tire and wheel assembly and tighten to specification.
10. Pump the brake pedal several times to seat the pads against the rotor.
11. Check the brake fluid level and top off as necessary.
12. Road test the vehicle to ensure the proper brake performance.