Discs, Rotors and Hardware for Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox from Chevrolet is an SUV that comes in both compact and mid-sized varieties, and it boasts an array of safety features along with plenty of cargo space and a reliable transmission thats automatic. Whether youre on a drive across town or across the country, when its time to bring your Chevy Equinox to a stop, you depend on your vehicles brakes to get the job done. Though it can be easy to overlook your brakes components until they have a problem, regular maintenance and replacement is an important factor in keeping you safe on the road.
What brake components can you replace?The nice thing about any braking system is that it is modular. If one component wears out, you dont have to replace the entire assembly, just the individual component. These are the components you can replace on your Equinox.
- Brake disc: This is the component that is attached directly to the wheel. Force is applied to the disc, which creates friction, thus causing the disc and wheel to slow down.
- Brake rotor: This is the surface on the disc that is actually clamped or pressed on by the brake pad, resulting in the friction needed to slow the wheel down.
- Brake shoe: This is the component that moves down to the brake rotor when the brake pedal is pressed. This action applies the brake pad to the rotor.
- Brake pad: This is the component that is attached to the shoe which directly contacts the rotor to create the friction that slows down the wheel. It is also the component that needs replacement most often.
Since your brake system is crucial to your safety while you drive your Chevrolet, ensuring you choose the correct parts is important. Purchasing Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts gives you the confidence to be certain the parts you select are perfectly matched to the size and weight of your Chevrolet Equinox. Another option is purchasing aftermarket parts for your Equinox.
How do you replace brakes on a Chevrolet Equinox?If you have the right tools, replacing brake components on your Equinox is a straightforward process. The procedures vary widely depending on whether youre replacing the discs, rotors, shoes, or pads, but since the pads are the most frequently replaced component, that is the procedure that will be detailed below.
- First, remove the tire in the location you need to replace the brake pad.
- Second, loosen and remove the bolts holding the caliper in place, and set the caliper aside, taking care not to strain the hydraulic line that is attached to it.
- Third, remove and discard the old brake pads and clips.
- Fourth, put the new brake pads and clips in place, making sure they have a tight fit.
- Fifth, reinstall the caliper and tire, and then test under slow speed conditions to ensure proper operation of the brakes and new brake pads.