I need to make a trip across massachusetts thats about 120 miles so i can get home for spring break but my 01 ZR2s brake wear indicators just started humming and i dont exactly have much time nor the tools to change the pads myself while im at school. if i were to drive down the turnpike all the way and went light on the brakes, would it be wise to make the trip or should i try changing the pads first?

 

Well if they're just starting to "hum" a little I don't think it would be much of an issue. How many times are you going to be braking on a 120 mile trip on the interstate? But when you're there I'd change them or you'll be changing rotors later on as well.
Take a look at the rotors & see if there is any scoring on them. That would be an indicator how far gone they are. A little scuffing, very light scratches are nothing to worry about, gouges are.

 

im only gunna make the run once, then over spring brake ill change them myself once i get home.

 

Just a side note, I replaced the front disc brakes with ceramic brake pads. There is a certain way ceramic brake pads have to be worn in. By stopping and braking like miss daisy (brake like a grandma). Well with crazy people in Charlotte that drive like a certain type of people, I've had to slam on the brakes when they had just been replaced. This is a no no and they will start making noise and apparently have a chance of wearing prematurely. :/ Mine whine a bit so just a caution if you don't know about that lol.

 

would anyone be able to tell me where the brake fluid resevoir is because ive also had an intermittent abs light for quite some time with no problem except minor lock up when i turn on a loose surface. Ive never checked muy fluid before and perhaps im running low

 

Kyle, everyone with a GM car should have an owners manual. There's no excuse for not:
http://www.extendedgmwarranty.com/ow...let-Blazer.pdf

Your ABS light isnt coming on because of fluid level - but DO check it- it's likely because of worn front hub bearings* or dirty sensor in the hub.

*And pad wear indicators dont 'hum' they 'scratchy-screech.' Worn hub bearings 'hum'. Usually if louder while turning left, it's the right one and vice versa.

 

It wouldn't take much for you to use the jack and tire wrench and take the tire off and look at them. Have a flash light handy. Also front pads are easy to change and don't require a lot of tools. They could be borrowed or bought at any parts store.

If you ruin the rotors it will cost much more then the cost of a few tools needed to do the job where you are.

On a side note I paid 8 bucks a piece at the local NAPA store to get my old rotors turned. That and fresh pads and I'm as good as new.

Also, I'm some what concerned that if you can't find the brake fluid reserve it might be over your head to change the brakes on your own. Ask any of your friends if they have any experience with this project. Once you have seen it done you'll see it's not that hard.

Feel free to PM me with any questions on how to do the job. I just did this on mine. Good luck.