2023 CHEVROLET CORVETTE brake pads

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16287457) - 2023 - CRC - 3/10/22
174 Driving and Operating
Engine Cooling
If reduced performance is experienced during
track events or competitive driving, turning
off the A/C will help to improve engine
performance.
Maintain a mixture of 40% DEX-COOL
coolant and 60% clean, drinkable water to
optimize engine performance.
Fuel
Unleaded gasoline, rated at 93 octane or
higher, is required.
Caution
Some high octane fuels contain additives
and compounds that may damage the
vehicle and void the vehicle warranty. See
Prohibited Fuels0227.
Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) Fluid
The transmission fluid and external canister
filter should be changed after every 24 hours
of track use. Change the fluid and external
canister filter as soon as possible if
prompted by the transmission fluid life
monitor that remaining fluid life is low. Stingray
Add an additional 2 L (2 qt) of DCT
transmission fluid before track use. It is not
required to remove the additional 2 L (2 qt)
of DCT fluid after the track event.
Any transmission level set or change should
be performed at your dealer.
Z06
Additional transmission fluid is not required
for the Z06. The Z06 comes track ready
from the factory.
Brakes
Battery Disconnect
Disconnect the battery before servicing the
hydraulic brake system. It is critical to
disconnect the battery before bleeding the
system, replacing the pads, or any other
work. The battery must be disconnected to
prevent the brake master cylinder from
pressurizing the hydraulic system during its
automated self diagnostic tests that can
occur when a door is opened or the remote
key is present.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury and/or vehicle
damage, always disconnect the battery
before performing service work on the
hydraulic brake system. Bleeding the
brake system with the battery connected
can lead to the system diagnosing a leak
or air in the braking system. A Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) may set and vehicle
speed may be limited.
Brake Fluid
Replace existing brake fluid with a qualified
high performance DOT 4 brake fluid from a
sealed container. Brake fluid with a dry
boiling point >310 °C (590 °F) is qualified.
If high performance brake fluid is used,
replace it with GM approved brake fluid
before driving on public roads. If high
performance brake fluid is in the vehicle and
the age of the brake fluid is over a month
old or unknown, replace the brake fluid
before track events and competitive driving.
Do not use silicone or DOT-5 brake fluids.
Check the fluid level before each competitive
driving event.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16287457) - 2023 - CRC - 3/10/22
Driving and Operating 175
Brake System Flushing and Bleeding
The J55, J56, and J57 brake systems require
specific processes for bleeding and fluid
flushing. These can be found in the service
manual.
Properly bleeding the brake system is
required for proper operation of the
hydraulic brake system.
Brake Leak Detection
The hydraulic braking system has advanced
diagnostic capability to help detect hydraulic
leaks, trapped air, and other performance
issues. These diagnostics are active when
the hydraulic system is powered. To avoid
inadvertently setting a leak DTC, disconnect
the battery before servicing the brake
system.
If the vehicle sets a DTC related to a brake
system leak, the Brake System Warning
Light will come on and vehicle speed may
be limited to 100 kph (62 mph). Any time a
leak DTC is set, the vehicle should be
inspected carefully for evidence of a leak
and should be repaired immediately. See
your dealer.Brake Fade Warning Assist
The Brake Fade Warning Assist system
monitors brake system performance. If the
system detects brake fade, or if the brake
fluid is near the boiling point, the driver will
be alerted.
The Brake Fade Warning Assist system is
designed for use with the factory-installed
brake pads or GM approved replacement
pads. If the brake pads on the vehicle need
to be replaced, use GM approved brake
pads. If this is not done, the brake fade
warning system may not function properly.
Stage 1 :
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a “Reduce Braking to Avoid
Overheating” message, a chime sounds and
brake pedal effort and travel is increased.
When the message displays, the driver
should back up braking points and reduce
brake usage in order to reduce brake
temperature. This will allow for continued
lapping with no speed limitations. Stage 2 :
The Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays a “Brakes Overheated Service
Now” message, a chime sounds, and brake
pedal effort and travel is further increased.
This code indicates that the brake fluid
temperature is excessive and is about to
boil. The system limits vehicle speed to
100KPH/62MPH. The driver should
immediately start a cool down lap if on the
track. If this message displays, the vehicle
needs to be serviced. The brake system
needs to cool down, and the brake fluid
must be immediately flushed with DOT4 for
street use, or to a qualified DOT4 race fluid
for track use. Boiled brake fluid is
compromised and must be replaced.
Brake Burnishing
Caution
Performing the brake burnish procedure
on a base brake system can result in
brake damage.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16287457) - 2023 - CRC - 3/10/22
176 Driving and Operating
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period should be
completed before performing the brake
burnish procedure, otherwise damage
may occur to the powertrain/engine. See
New Vehicle Break-In0189.
Caution
Brake pedal fade will occur during any
track burnish procedure and can cause
brake pedal travel and force to increase.
This could extend stopping distance until
the brakes are fully burnished.
New brake pads must be burnished before
racing or other competitive driving.
When this procedure is performed as
instructed, it will not damage the brakes.
The brake pads will smoke and produce an
odor. The braking force and pedal travel
may increase. After the procedure, the brake
pads may appear white at the rotor contact.
Perform this procedure only on dry
pavement, in a safe manner, and in
compliance with all local and state
ordinances/laws regarding motor vehicle
operation. Brake Burnishing Procedure for J55 (Stingray
with Z51) and J56 (Z06 Standard) Brakes
This brake burnish procedure should only be
performed on vehicles with the Z06 with
J56, or Z51 with J55 factory equipped brake
systems.
1. Using the friction bubble in the Cluster Performance menu, apply the brakes 25
times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to
50 km/h (30 mph) while decelerating at
0.4 g. See Instrument Cluster 079. This
is a medium brake application. Drive for
at least 1 km (0.6 mi) between applying
the brakes. This first step may be
skipped if there are more than 320 km
(200 mi) on the brake pads.
2. Apply the brakes 25 times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to 25 km/h (15 mph)
while decelerating at 0.8 g. This is a hard
brake application without activating the
Antilock Brake System (ABS). Drive for at
least 1 km (0.6 mi) between applications.
Depending on conditions, some increase
in brake pedal travel and brake pedal
force may be experienced.
3. Cool down: Drive at 100 km/h (60 mph) for approximately 15 km (10 mi) without
using the brakes. 4. Apply the brakes 25 times from
100 km/h (60 mph) to 50 km/h (30 mph)
while decelerating at 0.4 g. This is a
medium brake application. Drive for at
least 1 km (0.6 mi) between applications.
As with all high performance brake systems,
some amount of brake squeal is normal.
Brake Burnishing Procedure for Z06 with
Available J57 Carbon Ceramic Brakes
This brake burnish procedure should only be
run on Z06 vehicles with J57 factory
equipped brake systems.
Perform this procedure only on dry
pavement, in a safe manner, and in
compliance with all local and state
ordinances regarding motor vehicle
operation. 1. Using the friction bubble in the Cluster Performance menu, apply the brakes 25
times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to
50 km/h (30 mph) while decelerating at
0.4 g. This is a medium brake
application. Drive for at least 1.6 km
(1.0 mi) between applications. This first
step may be skipped if there are more
than 320 km (200 mi) on the brake pads.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16287457) - 2023 - CRC - 3/10/22
258 Vehicle Care
To help reduce squeal, the brake pads are
treated with an anti-squeal paste that may
need to be reapplied periodically as part of
normal vehicle maintenance. The anti-squeal
paste will dissipate over time. Also, the use
of wheel cleaners or power washers directly
on the brake calipers may remove the
anti-squeal paste from the brake pads.
It may be necessary to reapply the
anti-squeal paste if it is removed during
cleaning.
If brake squeal is excessive, the anti-squeal
paste should be reapplied. The anti-squeal
paste should always be reapplied whenever
the brake pads are removed or replaced. See
your dealer for service.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be
a sign that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts with
new, approved replacement parts. If this is
not done, the brakes may not work
properly. The braking performance canchange in many ways if the wrong brake
parts are installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
The Brake Fade Warning Assist system is
designed for use with the factory-installed
brake pads or GM-approved replacement
pads. If the brake pads on the vehicle need
to be replaced, use GM-approved brake pads.
If this is not done, the brake fade warning
system may not function properly.
High Performance Brake Lining Car Wash
and Extended Parking Care
If equipped with high performance brake
components, binding or clunking may be
noticeable after extended parking or in cold
weather when the brakes have been wet,
such as when driving in the rain or after a
car wash. The clunking is normal for brakes
with high performance brake linings and
does not affect the operation of the brakes.
When driving, normal braking will allow for
the brakes to feel smooth and the clunking
to go away. If the vehicle is washed before
overnight parking or long term storage,
drive it and apply the brakes several times
to thoroughly dry the brakes
Brake Rotor Wear (Z06/Z07 with J57
Carbon Ceramic Rotors)
Vehicles with J57 have carbon ceramic brake
rotors. The rotors should be visually
inspected whenever the brake pads are
replaced. Carbon ceramic brake rotors also
need to be weighed before brake pads are
replaced to confirm that the rotor mass is
greater than the wear-out mass printed on
the rotor. The rotor can be reused if the
weight of the rotor is above the mass limit.
Carbon ceramic brake rotors inspection and
weighing methods can be found in the
service manual.
Z51/Z06 Cast Iron Rotor System Brake
Burnish Procedure for Corrosion Cleanup
Corrosion spotting and grooving on the
brake rotor surface may appear after the
vehicle sits for an extended period of time,
especially in high humidity. This corrosion
may result in brake pulsation and noise. To
help restore optimal braking performance
and reduce noise, complete the following
procedure:

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16287457) - 2023 - CRC - 3/10/22
Vehicle Care 259
Caution
Performing the brake burnish procedure
on a base brake system can result in
brake damage.
Perform this procedure only on dry
pavement, in a safe manner, and in
compliance with all local and state
ordinances/laws regarding motor vehicle
operation.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period should be
completed before performing the brake
burnishing procedure or damage may
occur to the powertrain/engine. See New
Vehicle Break-In 0189.
Caution
Brake fade can occur during this burnish
procedure and can cause brake pedal
travel and force to increase. This could
extend stopping distance until the brakes
are fully burnished.
Completing the following procedure as
instructed will not damage the brakes. The
brake pads may smoke and produce an odor. The braking force and pedal travel
may increase. After the procedure, the brake
pads may appear white at the rotor contact.
1. Using the Friction Bubble gauge, apply the brakes 10 times starting at 100 km/h
(60 mph) to 50 km/h (30 mph) while
decelerating at 0.4g. This is a medium
brake application. Drive for at lest 0.5 km
(0.3 mi) between applying the brakes.
2. If further cleanup of the brake discs is needed, repeat this procedure with 0.7g
applications.
As with all high performance brake systems,
some amount of brake squeal is normal.
Brake Pad Life System (If
Equipped)
When to Change Brake Pads
If equipped, this system estimates the
remaining life of the front and rear brake
pads. Brake Pad Life is displayed in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), along with
a percentage for each axle. The system must
be reset every time the brake pads are
changed. When the system has determined that the
brake pads need to be replaced, a message
displays, which may include mileage
remaining.
Brake pads should always be replaced as
complete axle sets.
How to Reset the Brake Pad Life System
The system will automatically detect when
significantly worn brake pads are replaced.
When the ignition is turned on after new
pads and wear sensors are installed, a
message will display. Follow the prompts to
reset the system.
The brake pad life system can also be
manually reset:
1. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) 092.
2. Select the Brake Pad Life menu.
3. Select front or rear pads as appropriate.
4. Select YES on the confirmation message. Repeat for the pads on the other axle if
they were also replaced.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16287457) - 2023 - CRC - 3/10/22
260 Vehicle Care
How to Disable the Brake Pad Life
System
The brake pad life system can be turned off.
This may be necessary if aftermarket brake
pads without wear sensors are installed.
When the system is turned off, the front
and rear brake pad life percentages will not
display. However, the built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn can
still determine when the pads should be
replaced. SeeBrakes0257.
To turn off the brake pad life system: 1. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) 092.
2. Select the Brake Pad Life menu.
3. Select DISABLE.
To turn the brake pad life system back on,
follow the above steps but select ENABLE in
Step 2.
Electronic Brake Pad Sensor System
(Z06/Z07 with J57 Carbon Ceramic Brake
Rotors)
The brake pads have electronic brake pad
wear sensors, when the brake pads need to
be replaced, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC) which says
“Service Brakes Worn”.
When the message displays, install new
brake pads and brake pad wear sensors on
the vehicle.
When the ignition is turned on after new
brake pads and brake pad wear sensors are
installed, the message should no longer
display.
The brake pad sensor system can only be
reset by replacing the brake pads and brake
pad wear sensors.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled
with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Underhood Compartment Overview 0234 for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16287457) - 2023 - CRC - 3/10/22
300 Vehicle Care
cleaning, it is expected that brake dust and
road grime will darken the high performance
thermal coating over time.
{Warning
Altering, removing, or painting over the
white thermal coating on carbon fiber
wheels can cause the wheels to overheat
and become damaged. Damaged wheels
could cause a crash. To prevent property
damage, personal injury, and/or death,
do not change the coating on the carbon
fiber wheels.
Caution
Carbon fiber wheels may be damaged if
the vehicle is not washed after driving on
roads that have been sprayed with
magnesium chloride or calcium chloride.
These are used on roads for conditions
such as dust and ice. Always wash the
carbon fiber with soap and water after
exposure.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear
and rotors for surface condition. Inspect
drum brake linings/shoes for wear or cracks.
Inspect other brake parts, including drums,
wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake,
master cylinder, brake fluid reservoir,
vacuum pipes, electric vacuum pump
including bracket and vent hose, if equipped.
If equipped with Z51, inspect brake cooling
components. SeeTrack Events and
Competitive Driving 0172.
Steering, Suspension, and Chassis
Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at least
once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper hook-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint boots
and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges,
and liftgate hinges, unless the components
are plastic. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make
them last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall, use
plain water to flush any corrosive materials
from the underbody. Take care to
thoroughly clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the transfer
case and/or axles and should be replaced.
Body Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet
metal repair or replacement, make sure the
body repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or replaced to
restore corrosion protection.