How to Replace Brakes on a 2000 Buick Lesabre

The Buick LeSabre was a full sized automobile produced until 2005. The procedure for changing the brakes on the 2000 model remains virtually the same as on earlier models. With normal wear and tear, the brake pads wear down and must be replace to retain slowing and stopping power. Driving with brake pads that are too badly worn could cause a serious accident. Be sure to purchase new brake pads from a reputable auto parts store.

Instructions

Removal

1

Remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir and use the siphon to remove fluid from the reservoir until about 1/3 remains.

2

Use the lug wrench to break the lug nuts loose, but do not remove. Place a jack under the frame and lift the car until the tire clears the work surface.

3

Using the lug wrench, remove the lug nuts the rest of the way. Pull the tire and rim straight out to remove it from the lugs. Place at least two of the lug nuts back on the lugs to help help the rotor in place.

4

Place the stationary end of the C clamp into the caliper bore. This is a hole on the side of the caliper towards the fender. Tighten the screw end of the C clamp until it is snug against the outside brake pad. This will hold the caliper piston in place during removal.

5

Find where the brake hose comes into the caliper. There will be a bolt holding the hose in place. Use the wrench to loosen and remove the bolt. Place the line in a safe place with the open end up, or use a piece of plastic to block the fluid.

6

Remove the two bolts securing the caliper to the steering knuckle with the socket and ratchet. Remove the calipers from the rotor and slide the old brake pad from the brackets in the caliper.

Installation

7

Slide the new brake pad into the brackets on the caliper. Place the caliper back over the rotor and replace the two bolts. Tighten the bolts back into the steering knuckle.

8

Replace the hose onto the caliper and secure in place using the bolt removed.

9

Remove the lug nuts that were holding the rotor in place. Place the tire and rim back on the lugs, and hand tighten the lug nuts in place. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts the rest of the way. Lower the jack until the car is back on the ground.

10

Fill the brake fluid reservoir to the full line. Place the small hose on the bleeder control valve for the brake you just replaced. This is located on the top of the caliper, and is easily accessible behind the wheel.

11

Place the other end of the hose in a small jar and fill with enough brake fluid to submerge the end of the hose. Turn the screw on the opposite end of the bleeder valve from where you attached the hose a 1/2 turn. Have the assistant slowly press the brake pedal to the floor. Close the screw on the valve and then have the assistant release the brake pedal. Repeat this process until air no longer bubbles from the end of the hose in the jar.

12

Repeat steps as necessary for the other brake pads.