How to Change the Front Brakes on a 1996 Grand Prix

The first Pontiac Grand Prix was introduced in 1962 as a hardtop, based upon a Catalina frame. The 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix was produced in four different sub-models; the SE Coupe, SE Sedan, GT Sedan, and GTP Coupe. The 1996 Grand Prix came with four-wheel disc brakes on all sub-models. Changing the front brakes on a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix is an identical process, regardless of the sub-model, or the engine size.

Instructions

1

Lift the front of the Grand Prix, using a two-ton or greater capacity jack. Set jack stands beneath both front lower control arms. Remove the two front tire and wheel assemblies, using a tire iron.

2

Remove the two caliper mounting bolts from the rear of the caliper, using a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket. Remove the caliper approximately halfway off of the rotor, using a small pry bar or flat head screwdriver. Insert a small pry bar or flat head screwdriver into the rear of the caliper, between the caliper piston and the rotor. Push the handle of the pry bar or screwdriver out away from the car, to compress the piston. Compression of the caliper piston is essential for ease of caliper removal. Remove the caliper completely from the rotor.

3

Place a pair of needle-nosed vice grips or a caliper hose clamp onto the rubber line leading from the rear of the caliper to the frame of the car. Clamping the hose will ensure minimal air absorption into the brake lines throughout the duration of this project.

4

Remove the two mounting bolts on the rear of the caliper bracket, using a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Remove the caliper bracket from the vehicle. Remove the brake rotor from the vehicle.

5

Remove the brake line from the rear of the old caliper, using a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket. Install the brake line onto the rear of the new caliper, and tighten the mounting bolt between 40 and 50 foot-pounds of torque. Do not over tighten the mounting bolt, or you risk crushing the pressure control valve on the end of the brake line. Set the new caliper assembly onto the lower control arm, behind the brake assembly. Do not let the caliper hang freely, or you could tear the rubber brake line.

6

Knock the old brake pads loose from the caliper bracket. Sand the front edges of the caliper bracket with a new piece of 80-grit sandpaper, or an 80-grit sanding block. The object of sanding the bracket is to remove all of the debris and rust which may inhibit the new brake pads or the new caliper. Sand all contact points where the pads meet the caliper bracket.

7

Apply a light coating of approved caliper grease using an applicator brush, to the surfaces of the caliper bracket, where the pads touch the bracket. Install the new brake pads into the caliper bracket. Lubricate the backing plate or rear side of each brake pad, using approved caliper grease and an applicator brush.

8

Install the new brake rotor onto the wheel hub. Run one lug nut by hand, onto a lug stud. This will hold the brake rotor in place and alignment, while you install the remaining brake parts.

9

Install the caliper bracket onto the brake assembly, and tighten the mounting bolts between 90 and 100 foot-pounds of torque. Use a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket to tighten the bolts back into place.

10

Install the new caliper over the new pads and rotor assembly. The new calipers come compressed, so as not to introduce air into the caliper, prior to installation. Slide the caliper on by hand, and tighten the caliper mounting bolts between 60 and 70 foot-pounds of torque.

11

Spray the entire new brake assembly thoroughly with aerosol brake cleaner. The object of the cleaner is to remove excess caliper grease, runoff brake fluid, and greasy fingerprints from the rotor surfaces. Spray both front and back of the entire assembly, until you feel you have removed all of the excess grease and possible brake fluid. Remove the vice grips or caliper clamp at this time.

12

Repeat Steps 2 through 11 to complete the replacement of the brakes on the second side of the Grand Prix. Leave the vehicle elevated when the second side brake installation is completed.

13

Bleed both front brake calipers thoroughly to remove any air pockets that may have entered the brake lines. Bleeding the brakes will require a second person to pump the brake pedal, while you open and close the brake bleeder valve on the rear of both front calipers. Open the brake fluid reservoir under the hood, and add brake fluid to the car as the level drops, during the bleeding process.

14

Install the wheels and lower the vehicle only after you have bled the brakes free of any air pockets in the system. Tighten the wheel lug nuts between 95 to 110 foot-pounds of torque.