How to Install Brembo CTS-V Calipers on VE & VF Commodore – A Step-by-Step Guide
Upgrading your VE/VF Commodore with Brembo CTS-V calipers is a great way to enhance braking performance while keeping an OEM-style setup. The good news? It’s not as difficult as you might think—after all, these calipers were originally OEM-designed for high-performance applications.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full installation process, covering everything from removing old components to making necessary modifications and bleeding the brakes properly.
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🛠 Tools & Parts You’ll Need
Before starting the installation, make sure you have the right tools and parts on hand.
🔧 Required Tools:
✔ Socket set (10mm, 12mm, 14mm, etc.)
✔ Brake line wrench
✔ Drill & 14mm drill bit (for VE Series 1 only)
✔ Angle grinder (for trimming the dust shields)
✔ Brake bleeder tool
✔ Brake cleaner & wire brush (for rust removal)
🛞 Required Parts:
✔ Brembo CTS-V calipers (Front & Rear)
✔ New brake rotors (Front: 370mm | Rear: 360mm)
✔ Brake pads
✔ Brake fluid (DOT 4 recommended)
✔ OEM brake line hose adapters
✔ New brake lines
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🔄 Step 1: Remove the Existing Brake Components
Start by safely jacking up your VE/VF Commodore and removing the wheels.
1️⃣ Unbolt and remove the stock calipers.
2️⃣ Take off the old brake rotors—you might need a rubber mallet if they’re stuck due to rust.
3️⃣ Detach the brake lines carefully and drain the old brake fluid into a container.
• Important: The OEM brake line hose adapters must be reused, so don’t throw them away.
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🧹 Step 2: Prep the Hub & Modify the Dust Shields
Once the old components are removed, it’s time to prepare the mounting surface and modify the dust shields.
✔ Clean the hub surface using a wire brush to remove rust and dirt.
✔ Trim the front & rear dust shields to accommodate the larger 370mm front and 360mm rear rotors.
• You can use an angle grinder or metal snips for this step.
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🛠 Step 3: Modifications for VE Series 1 Owners
If you’re working on a VE Series 1 Commodore, you’ll need to modify the front caliper bolt holes:
✅ Drill out the front mounting holes from 12mm to 14mm to fit the CTS-V caliper bolts.
• Use a 14mm drill bit and go slow to ensure clean and accurate holes.
⚠ Important: This step is NOT required for VE Series 2 or VF models, as they already have the correct hole size.
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🔧 Step 4: Install the Brembo CTS-V Calipers & Rotors
Now it’s time to install the new components.
1️⃣ Mount the new 370mm front and 360mm rear rotors onto the hubs.
2️⃣ Attach the CTS-V Brembo calipers using the correct bolts.
3️⃣ Reconnect the brake lines, ensuring the OEM adapters are reused.
4️⃣ Secure everything and double-check all connections before proceeding to the final step.
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💨 Step 5: Bleed the Brakes Properly
Before taking your car for a test drive, you must bleed the brake system to remove any air bubbles.
How to Bleed Your Brembo CTS-V Calipers:
1️⃣ Start with the rear passenger-side caliper (farthest from the master cylinder).
2️⃣ Move to the rear driver-side caliper.
3️⃣ Then bleed the front passenger-side caliper.
4️⃣ Finish with the front driver-side caliper.
• Tip: Use a brake bleeder tool or have a second person pump the brake pedal while you open and close the bleeder valves.
5️⃣ Top up the brake fluid to the correct level once bleeding is complete.
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✅ Final Checks & Test Drive
Before hitting the road, perform these final safety checks:
✔ Pump the brake pedal until it feels firm.
✔ Check for any leaks around the brake lines and calipers.
✔ Take the car for a slow test drive, applying light braking to ensure proper function.
✔ Bed in the new brake pads by performing progressive braking from 60km/h to 20km/h multiple times.
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🎯 Conclusion: A Simple Yet Effective Brake Upgrade
Installing Brembo CTS-V calipers on your VE/VF Commodore is a straightforward process that provides OEM-level performance with better stopping power. By following these steps, you’ll achieve a track-worthy brake setup with minimal modifications.
💡 Thinking about upgrading your brakes? Check out our full range of Brembo brake kits for VE/VF Commodore at YZ Brake Parts! 🚗💨