Front Brake Pads: Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2003 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Use denatured alcohol to clean the outside surface of caliper boot before installing NEW brake pads. If you are installing NEW brake pads, use a C-clamp in order to compress the piston to the bottom of the caliper bore. Use the old brake pad, a metal plate or a wooden block across the face of the piston in order to protect the piston and the caliper boot.
- Install the 2 brake pad retainers to the caliper bracket. Ensure that the wear sensor is positioned at the leading edge (upward) of the outer pad during forward wheel rotation. Install the brake pads over the brake pad retainers and onto the caliper bracket. Lubricate the bolt and the bolt boot. Use care to avoid damaging pin boot when rotating caliper. Pivot the caliper down onto the pads.
- Install the lower caliper bolt. Tighten the caliper bolt to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Remove the 2 wheel nuts securing the rotor to the hub and bearing. Install the tire and wheel. Lower the vehicle.
- Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with NEW clean brake fluid. Pump the brake pedal 3/4 of a full stroke as many times as necessary to obtain a firm brake pedal. Burnish the pads and the rotors. See BURNISHING BRAKE PADS & ROTORS .