How to Replace Rear Disc Brake Pads in a Buick LeSabre

Iskandar Blogger 2:03 AM

The Buick LeSabre has been a familiar General Motors brand since 1959. The LeSabre has experienced eight generational changes throughout its tenure, which ran until 2005. The eighth and last generation of the LeSabre ran from 2000-2005 and was the only generation that featured rear disc brakes on the popular full-size model.

Instructions

    1

    Lift the Buick LeSabre on a vehicle lift to suspend the wheels. Remove the hubcaps and then remove the lug nuts using an impact gun and a socket. Remove the tires.

    2

    Remove the parking brake cable guide bolt from the lower control arm using a hand wrench. Set the bolt aside.

    3

    Remove the lower caliper pin bolt from the caliper using a hand wrench to turn the bolt counterclockwise.

    4

    Pry the caliper upward using a pry tool and then support it with mechanic's wire in the pivoted position.

    5

    Remove the outboard and inboard brake pads from the caliper bracket. Remove the pad-retaining metal clips from the caliper bracket.

    6

    Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the bracket contact points where retaining clips seat on the bracket. Use an acid brush to spread the anti-seize effectively, being careful not to coat the surface of the rotor with it. Clean the clips with a wire brush and then replace them on the caliper bracket. Coat the surface of the brackets with the anti-seize compound where the tabs of the pads seat, again being careful not to coat the surface of the rotors with the compound.

    7

    Insert the new inboard and outboard pads onto the caliper bracket.

    8

    Compress the caliper piston using a caliper piston tool until resistance is felt. Compressing the piston beyond 1-mm of piston travel can compromise the self-adjusting mechanism of the parking brake. Compress the piston a little bit at a time until the caliper can pivot down (after removing the mechanic's wire) over the pads and rotor without being forced on.

    9

    Clean the caliper pin bolt with a wire brush to remove any rust or corrosion. Apply a liberal coat of anti-seize lubricant to the pin bolt using an acid brush. Align the pin bolt into the caliper and then tighten to 20-foot-pounds using the torque wrench and a socket. Replace the parking brake guide bolt and then tighten using a hand wrench. Replace the wheel and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts snug to the hub of the LeSabre.

    10

    Lower the LeSabre to the ground and then tighten the lug nuts with the torque wrench and a lug nut to 100-foot-pounds. Replace the hubcaps.

    11

    Slowly depress the brake foot pedal 2/3 the pedal travel and then release. Allow 15 seconds to pass and then repeat the procedure until the brake pedal feels normal. Check the level of the brake fluid in the master cylinder and then test drive the Buick LeSabre to ensure the braking system and response is working properly.