How to Change the Brakes on a 2000 Firebird

Worn brake pads will cause unusual braking noise and weak braking. Worn pads also will eventually damage other brake components. The brakes on your 2000 Firebird should be inspected every 10,000 miles, when the dash warning panel indicates brake wear, or whenever trouble is suspected. Replacement pads can be purchased or ordered from most auto-parts stores. Expect the process of replacing the brake pads to take about 20 minutes per wheel.

Instructions

Front Brakes

1

Loosen the lug nuts on a front wheel. Raise the front wheel with a jack, then lower the vehicle securely onto a jack stand. Remove the wheel. The lift point is directly behind the wheel, at the outside edge of the frame cross-member. Refer to the diagram and detailed instructions in your Firebird's owner's manual if you are unsure how to lift your car.

2

Remove the two mounting bolts from the back of the brake caliper, then slide it off the rotor. Hang it from a length of wire to keep it from stretching the brake lines.

3

Pry the retaining spring on the outer pad upwards and remove the pad.

4

Compress the pistons into the brake cylinders by pressing in on the inner pad with a C-clamp. Pull outwards on the pad to pop it free of the pistons.

5

Pop the replacement inner pad into place. Install the outer pad, snapping the retaining spring over the lug in the center. Bolt the caliper into place, torquing to 23 ft.-lbs. Slide the wheel onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the car and tighten the lug nuts fully. Repeat on the other side.

Rear Brakes

6

Loosen the lug nuts on a rear wheel and lift the car, placing it securely on a jack stand. Remove the wheel. The lift point is on the frame, several inches ahead of the rear wheel. See your owner's manual for a diagram.

7

Install two lug nuts to hold the rotor in place. Compress the brake cylinder by placing one end of a C-clamp on the outer pad, using the access hole in the caliper housing, and the other on the bolt directly opposite it. Tighten the clamp until the piston is entirely within its bore.

8

Remove the upper bolt and guide pin that retain the caliper. Loosen the lower bolt and pivot the caliper outwards. Slide the pads out of the bracket.

9

Install the replacement pads in the bracket. Pivot the caliper into place, ensuring that the springs on the outer pad do not show through the hole in the housing. Replace the upper bolt and tighten both bolts to 23 ft.-lbs. of torque. Install the wheel and lower the vehicle. Repeat on the other side.