How to Replace the Front Brake Pads on a 1993 Saturn

The 1993 Saturn models include the two-door coupes (SC1 and SC2), the four-door sedans (SL, SL1 and SL2) and the five-door wagons (SW1 and SW2). All use front disc brakes with rotors and brake pads, and employ the same braking system. No matter what model you have, the procedure to replace the front brake pads is universal. As long as the front brake rotors are not rust-pitted, warped (giving off a vibration during braking) or cracked, you can replace just the brake pads.

Instructions

1

Park the 1993 Saturn on a level surface that is safe for lifting and supporting the vehicle, and then apply the parking brake.

2

Remove the hubcaps of the two front tires and then loosen the lug nuts with a lug nut wrench/tire iron, twisting in a counterclockwise direction. Only loosen them enough to break them free from the lug stud.

3

Use the vehicle jack to lift one side of the car at a time and then lower the jack with a jack stand placed under each front frame rail. Make sure the entire front axle is elevated and supported on the jack stands before continuing.

4

Turn the ignition key a half click clockwise to unlock the steering wheel. This will allow you to move the tire back and forth, and give you better access to the caliper and brake pads. Finish removing the loosened lug nuts and then remove the wheels.

5

Turn the steering wheel so that the caliper and pads of the side you're working on first protrudes outward from the wheel well.

6

Use a ratchet and socket to remove the upper and lower caliper lock pins, and then use a small pry tool to pry the caliper gently off of the knuckle assembly. Bend the wire coat hanger to create a makeshift caliper hanger and then support the caliper on the hanger to the coil spring of the front suspension.

7

Compress the piston inward using a large set of channel locks and then slowly squeeze the piston of the caliper fully into its bore.

8

Use the pry tool to remove the upper and lower pad clips on the knuckle assembly. Discard the old clips.

9

Remove the brake pads (using the pry tool if necessary) from the caliper anchor mount on the knuckle assembly and then inspect the inside and outside surface of the rotor for any visual defects, such as scoring, rust pits or cracks. The presence of any of these conditions requires replacement of the rotor(s).

10

Snap the new replacement pad clips onto the upper and lower caliper anchor mount seats and then apply a small amount of high temperature anti-seize compound to the brake pad tab seats on the clips. Be careful not to get the compound on the rotors. If you do, wipe the rotor clean with a shop rag or paper towel.

11

Install the new replacement pads (both inboard and outboard) into the caliper anchor mount, making sure to align the pad tabs properly into the clip seats.

12

Remove the caliper from the wire hanger and then place the caliper over the pad and anchor mount assembly of the knuckle.

13

Lubricate the smooth section of the caliper lock pins, and then align them into the caliper and hand thread them into the caliper anchor mount. Tighten the pins using the torque wrench and a socket to 37 foot-pounds.

14

Replace the wheel and lug nuts, and then tighten the lug nuts so they secure the wheel rim to the hub.

15

Repeat steps 5 through 14 for the other front brake assembly.

16

Raise one side of the Saturn at a time high enough to remove the jack stand and then slowly lower the vehicle to the ground. Pump the foot brake pedal until the caliper pistons extend and seat the pads to the rotor. The brake pedal will feel firm. Release the parking brake and then test drive the Saturn.