How to Replace the Rear Brakes on a 1997 Buick Century

The 1997 Buick Century came equipped with disc brake pads all the way around the vehicle. The Century is stopped by applying the brake pads to the brake rotors. The brake pads are applied to the brake rotors by the brake caliper cylinder. When the brake pedal is pushed inward, the brake caliper cylinder pushes the outer brake pads to the sides of the brake rotors. As the outer brake pad compresses to the brake rotor, it closes the complete brake caliper around the brake rotor to stop the Century.

Instructions

1

Park the 1997 Buick Century on a hard, level surface.

2

Loosen the lug nuts on both rear wheels by turning the lug nuts counterclockwise with the tire tool.

3

Jack the rear of the 1997 Buick Century up and place the car stands under the proper jacking points on both sides of the Buick Century. Lower the jack so that the Century is sitting securely on the stands.

4

Remove both rear wheels and place the wheels face down on the side of the car.

5

Locate the brake caliper on the rear driver-side brake rotor. Pry the outer brake pad towards the caliper cylinder until the caliper becomes loose.

6

Remove the two caliper bracket bolts from the rear of the caliper with the 3/8-inch drive ratchet and a socket.

7

Pull the brake caliper off the brake rotor and hang it to the lower control arm, that is, behind the wheel hub assembly, with a small piece of rope.

8

Pry the inner brake pad out of the brake caliper with the flat-head screwdriver. Position the C-clamp into the brake caliper. Turn the C-clamp clockwise so that it compresses the outer brake pad towards the brake caliper cylinder. Continue to compress the cylinder until it has fully retracted inside the caliper.

9

Unscrew the C-clamp and remove it from the caliper. Pry the outer brake pad out of the caliper. Remove any brake pad accessories from the brake caliper.

10

Install the new brake pads into the brake caliper. Make sure that the clips that hold the brake pads inside of the brake caliper are locked in place. Put the caliper back over the brake rotor and secure it in place with the two bracket bolts. Tighten the caliper bolts with the ratchet and socket. Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts with the tire tool.

11

Move to the rear passenger-side wheel and follow the same exact steps as outlined above for replacing the brake pads. Once finished with the brake pad installation, crank the 1997 Buick Century and push the brake pedal in and out seven or eight times to remove any air from the brake system. Then, turn the engine off.

12

Jack the 1997 Buick Century back up and remove the car stands. Lower the Buick Century back to the surface and slide the jack out.