[speedracer1]

Changed out the pads from stock to Carbotechs for the track.
Rears were super quick and easy. The fronts had an adhesive on the back of each pad that made them a bitch to get out! I've changed LOTS of pads over the years and never came across this type of glue adhesion. Slowed me down considerably.
Went to use my motive power bleed kit on the car. I purchased part #1108 per the guidance of Motive. Unfortunately, this part didn't seal well at all as I pumped up the pressure. Ended up with an explosion of brake fluid everywhere! What a pain the the rear! Had to quickly wash the entire car. I've bled plenty of Porsche brakes with this kit. It screwed on very tightly and created a great seal. The part for Chevy simply quarter turned on and didn't come close to sealing. Looks like an old school two person bleed is in order.
Anyone use a pressurized bleed system that works well with the Vettes?
Mike

 

[Ragtop]

Never changed pads on a high performance vehicle before. Curious why you had to bleed system. Sorry can't answer your question. I'm assuming you changed out the fluid too?

 

[mjw930]

Never changed pads on a high performance vehicle before. Curious why you had to bleed system. Sorry can't answer your question. I'm assuming you changed out the fluid too?

Chevy track prep suggests switching to DOT 4 brake fluid (higher boil temp than standard DOT 3) and most track junkies change out their brake fluid on a regular basis depending on how much track time the car sees. Most high performance cars have a maximum 2 year service interval on brake fluid, I'm surprised there isn't such a maintenance item for the Corvette listed in the owners manual (maybe there is but I haven't run across it).

 

[speedracer1]

As Mark says- if taking the car to the track- you'd better put in some good fluid. Even with good pads, the DOT3 fluid doesn't hold up to the heat.

 

[C7HEAVEN]

Can someone please tell me where the bleed valves are on the Z51 calipers? Is there one on top and one on bottom? If so which do I use to flush brakes? Thank you all.

 

[C7HEAVEN]

Speedracer1, can you give me the lowdown on where the bleed valves are (looks like there are 2 one on top and one on bottom) on the Z51 brakes? I need to put DOT 4 fluid in but don't want to mess it up. Never had a corvette before so it's a little different looking.

 

[Ragtop]

Just guessing, but I would think maybe the one on the bottom could be used to draw fluid up for flushing and the one on the top is there since air bubbles rise to the top to allow the air to be bled?

 

[Dasyatis]

Took a look at mine. Bleeders are near the top pointed up as would be normal on any other caliper. No second bleeders installed.

 

[speedracer1]

Yep, two on top. Bleed inner first, outer second.

 

[C7HEAVEN]

Thanks everyone. Went back out to garage Sunday with a clearer head. Man what a dope I am sometimes! Changed fluid no prob. Curious about how speedracer got the front pads out as I was hoping to put carbotechs in for VIR in May. Will lack of adhesive affect stock pads when theyre put back in after track day?

 

[speedracer1]

PM sent

 

[WB6HRO]

I've always used "Speed Bleeders" so you can bleed them by yourself. But remember you need two for each wheel with the Brembos.
A couple of things I've always done on my ZR1 which has Brembos too:

1. Put a hose on the bleeder and run it into an old water bottle.
2. Crack the bleeder and push the pads back fluid goes into bottle. Easier than pushing it back to master cylinder.
3. Flush system with DOT 4 fluid, I like the ATE blue fluid as you can see when old fluid is flushed. Just crack bleeders one at a time and pump into bottle.
4. Before any track event I always bleed each wheel 10 pumps on each wheel and have never had an issue.