1992 Buick Lesabre brake change

JPHIPPS

MEMBER
1992 BUICK LESABRE

I need to know how to get the caliper off, including any tools I need to use and precisely how to change the brakes. I have never done this before and I do not wish to ruin my car. I have looked around the caliper for a screw, bolt and anything I can see that would allow me to get the caliper off and all I can see is the lines going to the brake fluid which I can only assume means I should not release that one to get the caliper off as its not the correct way and I also would have to bleed the brakes after I am finished. Thank you

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

First pry the piston back in all the way with a flat-blade screwdriver to make room for the new thicker pads. If you NEED a c-clamp to get the pistons in, replace the calipers. I never use a c-clamp. If anyone filled the master cylinder reservoir previously when it was low, you'll have brake fluid spilling over and making a mess. Wash that off any painted surfaces right away. (Be absolutely certain to not get any grease, engine oil, or any other petroleum product mixed in with the brake fluid; not even a hint of it).

There's two hex bolts that appear to be 10mm hex bolts. Back those out far enough that you can pry the caliper up. There's metal slides those bolts go through. Pull those out and lubricate them with high-temperature brake grease. If they're rusty, replace them. The caliper has to be able to slide sideways on them freely.

When the old pads are removed, run a flat file over the piston and the caliper fingers that contact the pad backing plates to be sure there's no high spots of rust or dirt. Lubricate the backing plates with that brake grease.

The brake rotors should be machined or replaced. On many cars today new rotors are so inexpensive that it is better to just replace them, but if you get Chinese rotors they will likely warp in about three months and will need a light machining, then they'll be fine. Put some brake grease on the hub where the center hole of the rotor sits.

Don't get any fingerprint grease on the rotors or linings. If you do, wash it off with brake parts cleaner. If you don't it will soak into the linings when they get hot and will cause a squeal that you'll never get rid of.

Once everything is reassembled you'll have to pump the pistons back out. Be very careful on GM front-wheel-drive cars to never ever push the pedal more than half way to the floor when doing that. If you do you will usually end up with just one front brake working and you may not notice it until those pads wear out very quickly. I have a fix for that if it happens to you. Just stroke the pedal repeatedly about 1/3 of the way down until the pads make contact and pressure builds up.