How to Change the Rear Brakes on an 2006 Pontiac G6

The 2006 Pontiac G6 is equipped with hydraulically operated disc brake systems on both the front and rear tires. Disc brake pads must be replaced on both the front or both of the rear wheels at the same time; never replace just one brake pad, because the disc brakes automatically compensate for pad wear. Generally, the front brakes will be replaced more often since they account for 70 percent of the car's stopping power. The replacement procedure is the same for both front and back brakes.

Instructions

1

Remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir and remove about two-thirds of the brake fluid. Be careful not to spill the fluid, as it can damage the car's paint.

2

Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the end of the vehicle with the jack and support it on jack stands. Block the wheels on the opposite end of the car. Loosen the wheel lug nuts the rest of the way and remove the wheels.

3

Wash the brakes with brake cleaner before disassembling. Remove the lower caliper bolt and pivot the caliper up. Secure it into place with a piece of wire.

4

Push the piston into the caliper bore with a C-clamp to make space for the new brake pads. Verify the brake fluid in the master cylinder does not overflow as you depress the piston.

5

Remove the outer brake pad from the mounting bracket first; then remove the inner pad. Remove both pad support plates. Clean and inspect them prior to reinstalling the plates.

6

Remove the upper and lower guide pins from the caliper mounting bracket and clean the grease off. Lubricate the guide pins with high-temperature grease and reinstall them. Verify the guide pin seals are properly installed.

7

Lubricate the ends of the new brake pads with a small amount of high-temperature grease where they will come into contact with the anti-rattle clips.

8

Install the inner brake pad and then install the outer pad. Place the caliper over the new pads and back onto the mounting bracket. On rear calipers, align the notch in the piston with the pin on the back of the inner brake pad Install the caliper mounting bolts and tighten them to 26 ft-lbs. using a torque wrench.

9

Replace the wheel and lug nuts and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Then fully tighten the lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. using a torque wrench.

10

Firmly depress the brake pedal a few times to bring the brake pads into contact with the disc. If you replaced the rear brake pads, apply and release the parking brake at least four times. Add brake fluid to the reservoir to achieve the necessary level.