Front brakes so I want to do the job

Hi,

Replacing front brake pads and rotors really isn't that difficult. When you do it yourself, make sure to get lifetime replacement parts so you never have to pay again.

You can expect front brakes to last approximately 25,000, but that will vary based on terrain and driving habits. This video shows the job being done on a similar car but the process is the same.

First, here is a link that shows in general how it's done. You can use this as a guide.

https://youtu.be/i5_-_Q0Mosk

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-front-brake-pads-and-rotors-fwd

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution.

1. Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
2. If the brake fluid level is midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, then no brake fluid needs to be removed from the reservoir before proceeding. If the brake fluid level is higher than midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, then remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
4. Remove the tire and wheel.
5. Install two wheel nuts in order to secure the rotor.

6. Install a C-clamp (2) over the top of the brake caliper and against the back of the outboard brake pad.
7. Tighten the C-clamp (2) until the brake caliper piston pushes into the brake caliper bore enough to slide the brake caliper (1) off of the rotor.
8. Remove the C-clamp from the brake caliper.
9. Remove the lower brake caliper bolt.
10. Rotate the brake caliper upward in order to access the brake pads.
11. Remove the brake pads from the brake caliper bracket.
12. Remove the brake pad retainers from the brake caliper bracket.
Important: Insert a block of wood or the old brake pad brake between the C-clamp (1) and the brake caliper piston in order to prevent damage to the brake caliper piston and the brake caliper piston boot.

13. Install a C-clamp over the brake caliper and against the block of wood or the old brake pad (2).
14. Tighten the C-clamp until the brake caliper piston pushes completely into the brake caliper bore.
15. Remove the C-clamp from the brake caliper.
16. Inspect the brake caliper bolt boots (4) for the following conditions:

* Cuts
* Tears
* Deterioration
Replace the brake caliper bolt boots if damage exists.
17. Inspect the brake caliper piston dust boot (1) for the following conditions:

* Cuts
* Tears
* Leaking
* Deterioration
Replace the brake caliper piston dust boot if damage exists.

18. Inspect the brake caliper bolts for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is found, use new parts, including bushings, when installing the brake caliper. Do not attempt to polish away corrosion.

Installation Procedure

Important: Use denatured alcohol to clean the outside surface of caliper boot before installing new brake pads.

1. 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.

2. Install the four brake pad retainers to the caliper bracket.

Important: Ensure that the wear sensor is positioned at the leading edge (upward) of the inner pad during forward wheel rotation.

3. Install the brake pads over the brake pad retainers and onto the caliper bracket.
4. Thoroughly clean and apply Threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) or equivalent to the threads of the brake caliper pin bolts.

Notice: Use care to avoid damaging pin boot when rotating caliper.

5. Pivot the caliper down onto the pads.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

6. Install the lower caliper bolt.

Tighten the caliper bolt to 35 N.m (26 lb ft).

7. Remove the two wheel nuts securing the rotor to the hub and bearing.
8. Install the tire and wheel.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Pump the brake pedal (3/4 of a full stroke) as many times as necessary to obtain a firm brake pedal.
11. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level.
12. Burnish the pads and the rotors.

Rotor Replacement

Tools Required
* J 41013 Rotor/Drum Flange Resurfacing Kit
* J 42450-A Wheel Hub/Flange Resurfacing Kit

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution.

Notice: Any new rotor must have the protective coating removed from the friction surfaces before being placed in service. Remove the protective coating using denatured alcohol or an equivalent, and wipe the surface clean with clean cloths. Do not use gasoline, kerosene, or other oil base solvents which may leave an oily residue. This residue is damaging to the brake lining and is flammable.

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

Notice: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic's wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the flexible brake hose to bear the weight of the caliper, which may cause damage to the brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.

3. Remove and support the caliper and bracket as an assembly with heavy mechanics wire. DO NOT disconnect the hydraulic flexible brake hose.
4. Remove the brake rotor.

Important: When a brake rotor has been separated from a hub/axle flange, the mating surface of the brake rotor must be cleaned of any rust or contaminants. Failure to do this may result in lateral runout of the brake rotor, and brake pulsation.

5. If the brake rotor is to be reinstalled to the vehicle, use the J 41013 in order to clean any rust or corrosion from the hub/axle flange mating surface of the brake rotor.
6. Use the J 42450-A in order to clean the wheel hub flange.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the brake rotor.
2. Install the caliper bracket.
3. Install the tire and the wheel.
4. Lower the vehicle.

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.