How to Install Brakes on a 2003 Saab 9-5 Aero

Installing brakes on a Saab 9-5 is not difficult. The tools necessary to complete the project can be found in most toolboxes since there are no special tools required for the job. The Saab has disc brakes on all four wheels. Disc brakes are much easier to replace than drum brakes and the project can be done in your driveway, which means there is no reason to spend money taking the car to a repair shop to have them installed.

Instructions

Front brakes

1

Open the engine compartment and drain half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder using the turkey baster. Place the fluid in the drain pan for later recycling. Place a set of wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the Saab. Lift the front end of the car on the side you are starting with using the automobile jack.

2

Loosen the lug nuts on the tire using the lug wrench and remove the wheel from the car. Remove the retaining pins from the caliper using a socket and a ratchet. Pull the caliper from the wheel assembly. Unsnap the retaining clip from the brake caliper and pads. Remove the brake pads from the caliper.

3

Push the piston back into the caliper housing. Install the new brake pads into the caliper and snap the retaining ring into place. Be sure the warning device on the brake pads is face down in the caliper since it has to make contact with the rotor. Place the caliper in the mounting cradle and tighten the retaining pins with a socket and ratchet.

4

Place the wheel on the car and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the Saab. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Repeat the procedure on the other front wheel.

Rear brakes

5

Place the wheel chocks in front of the front wheels of the Saab. Raise the rear of the Saab on the side you are starting with using the automobile jack. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel using the lug wrench and remove the wheel from the car. Loosen the retaining pins on the brake caliper using a socket and ratchet. Pull the caliper from the wheel assembly.

6

Unsnap the retaining clip from the caliper and brake pads. Remove the brake pads from the caliper. Push the piston back into the caliper housing. Install the new brake pads into the caliper and snap the retaining clip back into place. You must make sure that the warning device on the brake pads is face down in the caliper.

7

Place the brake caliper into the mounting cradle and tighten the retaining pins with a socket and ratchet. Place the wheel on the car and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the Saab. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Repeat the procedure on the other rear wheel.

8

Add brake fluid to the master cylinder to bring it to the full mark. Pump the brake pedal several times after the brake job is complete to seat the brake pads onto the brake rotors. This will ensure that the brakes are ready when you start driving the Saab. Add more fluid to the master cylinder if necessary to make it full.