The 2001 through 2004 Chevy Impala models are rated among the best when crash tests were done, but as a consumer, you do not want to test it personally. To prevent this, perform maintenance frequently. One form of maintenance to help prevent future costly problems is to replace the front disc brakes on your Chevy Impala.
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Drain two thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. Install and hand tighten two lug nuts to secure the rotor in place when the rotor is removed
Install a C-clamp or similar tool, over the top of the caliper assembly. Place it against the back of the outboard pad shoe. Ttighten the C-clamp making sure that the caliper pistons are positioned into the caliper bore. The positioning should allow ample room for the caliper assembly to slide off of the rotor. Avoid over tightening. Remove the mounting bolts. Disconnect the brake caliper from the mounting bracket.
Suspend the caliper from the frame using mechanic's wire. Make sure that the caliper does not hang from the brake hose. This may damage the hose. Remove the outboard disc brake pad from the caliper. Slide the brake pad off the caliper. Using a C-clamp compress the caliper piston into the bore.
Remove the inboard disc brake pad. Clean the parts well. Taking care not to damage the pistons or caliper boots, 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.
Lubricate the caliber mating surface and the machined abutment surfaces with multi purpose lubricant. Coat the outer backing plate surface of the new brake pads with the disc brake pad anti squeal lubricant. Install the new inboard disc brake pad. Press the pad firmly into the cavity of the caliper piston. The new inboard pad must be seated squarely against brake caliper piston.
Place the caliper assembly back into position over the brake rotor. Install the caliper guide pin bolts. Using a torque wrench, torque the lug nuts to 80 ft lbs. Add brake fluid to the master cylinder.
Bleed the brakes. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery. Start the engine and pump the brakes 3 to 4 times to seat the brake pads. Reinstall the wheels. Test drive the Chevy Impala at slow to moderate speeds to ensure that the maintenance was performed correctly.
