How to Change the Brake Pads on a Caddy

The Cadillac brake system is not much different from the other General Motors vehicles. Changing the brake pads on Cadillacs that are not equipped with an ABS system is straightforward with only minor considerations. The ABS systems used on later model Cadillacs require an additional step when compressing the piston, and some systems require a scan tool to bleed air from the modulator when the system is opened. Consult the service manual for more information specific to your year and model of Cadillac.

Instructions

1

Raise the vehicle with the floor jack, and place a jack stand under the frame. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stand so the stand, not the jack, is supporting the vehicle's weight. This will prevent injury should the vehicle slip on the jack, or if the jack should fail.

2

Remove the tire, using the lug wrench, and place it out of the way. Then turn the steering wheel to allow access to the bolts retaining the caliper to the caliper bracket. These are torx type bolts on some models, but most are metric 13mm or 15mm. Remove the caliper bolts and slip the caliper off the bracket and brake pads.

3

Collapse the caliper piston into the bore by opening the bleeder screw and pushing the piston in with a C-clamp. Catch any spilling fluid in the drain pan, and dispose of it the same way you would engine oil. This will prevent debris from being forced into the modulator valve assembly and damaging it.

4

Transfer any retaining/anti-rattle clips and shims from the old pads to the new pads unless new are supplied with the pads. These are needed for quiet brake applications and should not be left off. Install the pads on the caliper bracket.

5

Reinstall the caliper over the pads, and securely tighten the caliper bolts. Reinstall the wheel, and lower the vehicle.

6

Top off the brake fluid level in the master cylinder and start the engine. Pump the brake pedal a few times to expand the caliper, and test drive.