2005 GT convertible brake pads and rotors

[mixedplate]

All,

Have changed water and fuel pumps, installed alarms and stereos, but never worked on brakes.

I want to change the brake pads and rotors on my 2005 GT Turbo Convertible, and wondered if I can assume since mine is a GT, it has the larger sized calipers? I want to change them to ceramic pads and new rotors, and want to make sure I have the correct size. How can I tell if they are the larger sized ones? Any markings on the calipers?

Also, it has ABS brakes as standard equipment, so is there anything special I should know about regarding ABS brakes when I try to change the pads?

Or can I just use a "C Clamp" and old brake pad to close the piston little by little and just monitor the brake fluid level with the cap off and change the pads normally?

Thanks!

[VNT]

go to advanced auto parts, online and punch in your car, it will ask for year, model and turbo and will list all the part #'s and prices for rotors and pads.

I go with Raybestos rotors and pads and your good to go. I had a problem with the rear pads, had to bring them back as I recall.

[quicksilverdon]

I have done brakes on 5 PTs with ABS and used the C clamp on piston with no ill effects.
I like Raybestos, too. I heard that the top of the line ceramic pad NAPA sells is Raybestos..
TireRack.com also sells brakes

Your calipers should say "turbo" on them.

[mixedplate]

Great info. It's much appreciated. Thanks!

[mixedplate]

Changed them to ceramic pads, put in new rotors, and now my brakes work fantastic. Was easier than I thought. Thanks again for all the great advice here.

[logonsys]

Just curious, what rotors did you use? Did you keep the same calipers?
Glad to hear it was an easy job, hope mine will be as well!

[mixedplate]

Purchased the premium performance rotors from Napa (no difference from slotted/drilled rotors, unless you are racing or just want to spend xtra money for the look), and used Bendix ceramic pads in the front and rear. Bendix was one of the few brands that sold ceramic pads for both the front AND rear. Just look for them online. Napa, Schucks, autozone, etc. only sold semi metallic pads for the rear, but I preferred to have all ceramic pads for all my brakes. Just used the original calipers, since the GT has original larger calipers (says turbo on them) than the normal pt cruisers. But I painted my calipers a silver metallic chrome to match my car's paint, which is silver. Just went to Home Depot, purchased some metallic paint, and painted my calipers. If I get bored of the color, I can just repaint them to another color...
Also, go to ehow.com for info on removing the brakes and rotors; there is a fantastic "how to" with pictures.

[logonsys]

Thanks for the reply. I am going for "the look" so it will be zinc plated slotted and dimpled rotors. I still haven't gotten around to doing mine as the frozen caliper seems to only happen after I turn traction control off. I was experimenting to see if I get better mpg with it off, but now it seems that it may be causing my brakes to grab. I'm researching the trac control system but finding very little info. I wonder if anyone out here has ever had an issue with traction control locking or restricting the front brakes? Anyone?