Front Brake Pads: Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Vibe. 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 upper and lower brake pad retainers to the caliper bracket. See Fig 1 . Apply disc brake grease to both sides of the inner pad insulator. Install the inner pad insulator to the inner pad. Install the inner insulator to the inner pad insulator. Install the inner brake pad to the caliper bracket with the wear indicator facing upward.
- Apply disc brake grease to both sides of the outer pad insulator. Install the outer pad insulator to the outer pad. Install the outer insulator to the outer pad insulator. Install the outer brake pad to the caliper bracket.
- Lubricate the bolts and the bolt boots. Install the caliper bolts. Tighten the caliper bolts 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 under SERVICING.