
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
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
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.