How to Change the Rear Disc Brakes on a 1996 Cadillac Eldorado

A Cadillac Eldorado's rear disc brakes do not differ much from the vehicle's front brakes.The difference between is the size of the piston and pads. Most of a vehicle's stopping force comes from the front disc brakes. Due to constant use, the brake pads wear away over time. Disc pads will make a loud squealing noise when they are worn down and the warning clips or bolts are exposed to the rotor. When you hear this sound, it is time to replace the brake pads.

Instructions

Park the Cadillac Eldorado on a level surface that has little pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The level surface should be constructed of a hard material--such as concrete, asphalt or packed stone--to prevent the jack from sinking into the ground.

Place the maintenance jack a few inches in front of the vehicle's rear tire. The lift point on the car is located in this general area. Be sure that when you raise the foot of the jack, it sits securely in this spot. Raise the jack so that some of the car's weight is resting on the jack.

Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel. You may need to pop off the face plate that covers the lug nuts. Remove the face plate by slipping the flat end of the lug wrench that came with the Eldorado under the cap, and then popping it off.

Raise the Cadillac Eldorado with the jack so that the tire is completely off the ground. Remove the lug nuts and slide the tire off of the lugs to expose the brake system.

Loosen the lower caliper bolt with a ratchet and appropriate socket. Using an appropriate socket size is important as it prevents bolt stripping. Swing the caliper in an upward direction to expose the brake pads.

Slide the brake pads off of the caliper. Use a large screwdriver to pry the pads out if they do not come off with your hand.

Press the caliper piston back into the housing by using a C-clamp. The C-clamp is slid over the piston so that one end is on the back and the other is sitting against the piston. Tighten the C-clamp to press the piston back; this allows you to slide the piston, with new pads, over the rotor.

Slide the brake piston back over the rotor with the new pads secured in place. Once the piston is swung completely over, insert the lower bolt and tighten it with a ratchet and appropriate socket.

Slide the tire back over the lugs and replace the lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts to secure the tire into place. Lower the Cadillac Eldorado so that the tire is on the ground. Use the lug wrench to tighten the nuts so that they are secure. Remove the jack and continue on the other side.