How to Change the Brake Pads on a 98 Regal Ls

The Buick Regal LS features front disc brakes and may come with rear disc or rear drum brakes. Replacing the front pads is more common on the Regal since it provides 80 percent braking power for the front-wheel drive car. Although it is recommended to replace or machine the rotors when replacing front or rear pads, it is not always necessary. The friction material of the brake pads is softer than the surface of the rotor, so the brake pads will wear down more quickly. If a pulsation is present before the pad replacement procedure, replace the rotors, because new pads will not solve the problem.

Instructions

1

Remove 1/2 of the brake fluid from the master cylinder using a brake fluid siphon and discard. Secure the master cylinder cap.

2

Lift the Regal on a vehicle hoist or use a jack to support the axle onto jack stands. Remove the hubcaps, if applicable, and then remove the lug nuts using the impact gun and suitable socket. Remove the wheels. Replace one lug nut onto a wheel stud away from the caliper to hold the rotor in place after you have removed the caliper.

3

Remove the upper and lower caliper slide bolts using a ratchet and a suitable socket. Bring the bolts to a bench grinder with a wire brush wheel, and clean off any rust or corrosion on them. Gently pry the caliper off the rotor using a screwdriver, and then support the caliper to the coil spring with a caliper hanger or metal hook.

4

Use the screwdriver to pry the outboard pad clips off of the caliper housing. Pull up on the inboard pad away from the caliper piston to unseat the shoe springs from the piston. Insert the caliper piston tool into the caliper, and slowly tighten to compress the piston into the bore. This will make room for the new pads. Clean the pad-to-caliper contact points free of rust and corrosion using a wire-bristled brush.

5

Inspect the condition of the rotor for groove, scores or rust pits. Replace it if necessary. Inspect the caliper slide bolt bushings for cracks or dry rot. Replace them if necessary.

6

Apply graphite anti-seize compound to the pad contact points on the caliper bracket and caliper. Install the inboard pad into the caliper piston by pushing in the shoe spring. Attach the outboard pad to the caliper. The screwdriver will help you pry it on if necessary. Install the caliper and pad assembly over the rotor. Apply anti-seize to the non-thread part of the slide bolts and insert into the bushings. Tighten the bolts, and then remove the lug nut from the lug stud.

7

Repeat the same procedure for the other side.

8

Replace the wheels and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts just snug with the impact gun and then lower the Regal. Tighten the lug nuts thoroughly with a torque wrench at 100-ft-lbs. and a suitable socket. Replace the hubcaps. Pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm. Recheck the brake fluid in the master cylinder and add only clean brake fluid before test driving.