How to Replace Rear Disc Brakes in a Oldsmobile Alero

The Oldsmobile Alero is one of the few vehicles that have inboard and outboard brake pads in the rear disc brake system. This doesn't, however, make the disc brakes difficult to replace. Read further to learn how to replace the disc brakes in an Oldsmobile Alero in about an hour.

Instructions

1

Drain two-thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir. Use a syringe or suction gun to remove the brake fluid from the reservoir. Store the brake fluid for use later on.

2

Lift the rear of the vehicle off the ground using a car jack. Support the Alero on all sides to prevent it from falling over while you replace the rear disc brakes.

3

Remove the rear wheels from the Alero. Loosen the lug nuts with a torque wrench. Set the wheels aside, face up, to prevent damaging the rims or hub caps.

4

Disconnect the caliper from the steering knuckle making sure to keep the brake hose intact. Rotate the caliper upwards and secure it to the vehicle with a wire, but don't hang it from the brake hose as it may cause damage.

5

Push in on the outer edge of the brake pad to release the mounting dowels. Push the outboard pad out through the bottom of the caliper. Pull the inboard pad out of the caliper.

6

Install the new inboard pad in the caliper by pushing it in so that the spring on the back of the brake pad snaps onto the caliper piston. Replace the outboard pad by pushing the dowels on the back of the pad into the mounting holes in the caliper.

7

Lay the caliper over the rotor onto the steering knuckle. Insert the caliper mounting bolts and sleeves then tighten with the torque wrench to 40 ft. lb. Replace the wheels and lower the Alero to the ground. Pump the brake pedal several times to seat the pads.