How to Replace 2003 Buick Century Disk Brakes

You must check the brake pads and rotors on the Buick Century regularly to ensure they are in good working order. The brake pads wear much faster than the rotors. If you allow them to wear beyond the recommended minimum thickness, they will cause damage to the rotors, which could mean a much more expensive repair. You can complete this project in your driveway and it will take you about 30 minutes to do each wheel.

Instructions

1

Park the car on a level surface and turn of its ignition. Open and secure the engine compartment of the Buick Century and drain about one-half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder, using the turkey baster. Place the fluid in the drain pan for later recycling.

2

Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Raise the Buick with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the car and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel using the lug wrench and pull the wheel off the car.

3

Remove the brake caliper using a socket and ratchet to loosen the bolts. Remove the front brake pad. Place the caliper and the back brake pad between the jaws of the C-clamp and spin it until it closes. This will push the caliper piston back in the housing. Loosen the C-clamp and pull the brake pad off the caliper.

4

Install the new brake pads in the caliper. Place the caliper back on the wheel assembly. Tighten the bolts with the socket and ratchet. Place the wheel on the car and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

5

Repeat the process on the other wheel. Remove the jack stand from under the Buick. Lower the car to the ground with the car jack.

6

Add brake fluid to the master cylinder, as needed. Pump the brakes several times until the brake pads settle against the brake rotors.