How to Install 1995 Buick Skylark Brake Rotors

When you own a vehicle there is an expectation as to how long the brakes should last. Some brake pads last longer than others, but when you purchase a new vehicle you would think that the pad quality would be good. This was not the case for the 1995 Buick Skylark. GM had a technical service bulletin for the front brakes on this vehicle due to the short life span. The fix for this problem was to install new, higher quality, brake pads and rotors, which you can do yourself.

Instructions

1

Park your car on a flat, level surface. Set the parking brake. Put on your safety glasses and protective gloves. Loosen the lug nuts 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Jack up the front of the vehicle and place the jack stands under the jacking points. Finish removing the front wheels. Place the C-clamp over the back of the caliper with the adjustable side on the outer brake pad. Open the bleeder screw and compress the caliper piston with the C-clamp. Tighten the bleeder screw to 9 foot-pounds with the torque wrench.

2

Remove the caliper bolts at each end of the caliper using the appropriate allen-head socket. Do not remove the bolt at the end of the brake line. Use a piece of mechanic's wire or a coat hanger to hang the caliper from the coil spring so that there is slack on the brake line. Remove the outer brake pad from the caliper by prying on the mounting clip, and the inner pad by pulling it away from the piston. Remove the caliper bolts and replace them if they are corroded or pitted.

3

Remove the brake rotor. If the rotor will not easily slide off, reinstall the lug nuts by hand. Strike the rotor with your hammer between the lug studs until the rotor comes loose. Remove the lug nuts and the rotor. Clean the rotor mounting surface with the wire brush. Clean the new rotor thoroughly with spray brake cleaner. Install the new rotor and install one lug nut by hand to hold it in place.

4

Clean the caliper and the steering knuckle with a wire brush where they almost make contact. Apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to both surfaces. Apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant into the caliper bolt holes and to the back side of the brake pads. Push the bolts into the caliper. Install the brake pads by clipping them to the caliper with the wear sensors facing down. Install the caliper and torque the bolts to 38 foot-pounds. Remove the lug nut from the rotor.

5

Open the hood. Add brake fluid to the full line. Pump the brake pedal until it feels firm. Check the brake fluid again and fill if necessary. Install the wheels and snug the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds in a star pattern. Break in the brake pads by making several braking applications without coming to a full stop.