How to Change the Front Brakes & Rotors on a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire

The front brakes and rotors are the most critical components of the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire's braking system. The disc brakes on the Sunfire require regular maintenance to ensure they perform properly. Brakes that are not properly maintained are at particular risk of failing because the pads and rotors are ill-equipped to deal with the stress and heat from braking if their quality is diminished. For brake pads, diminished quality means that the pad is worn. For rotors, it means scored or warped surfaces.

Instructions

1

Put the transmission of the Sunfire in "park." Engage the parking brake and place tire blocks behind the rear tires.

2

Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with the tire iron. Place the lifting jack beneath the frame in the front of the Sunfire and lift the vehicle. Place jack stands beneath the frame to support the vehicle while making the repairs.

3

Remove the lug nuts and the front wheels from the wheel bolts. Turn the steering wheel to the left to have easier access to the right brake.

4

Remove the two caliper bolts on the right caliper with a 5/8-inch hex socket and ratchet. Pull the caliper from the rotor.

5

Remove the brake line from the caliper using a 10-millimeter wrench. The line connects to the caliper near the bottom caliper bolt. Place a drip pan beneath the line to collect any leaked brake fluid.

6

Pull the rotor from the wheel bolts. The rotor may be stuck to the steering knuckle and/or wheel bolts by a sticky combination of rust and excess fluid. Spray chain lubricant on the area to loosen the bond. Tap the rotor with a hammer to remove it if you are planning to discard the rotor after removal.

7

Clean the steering knuckle (the area behind the rotor) wheel bolts with the wire brush.

8

Connect the brake line to the new caliper with the wrench. Slide the new brake pads onto the sides of the caliper. The pads clip to the caliper via thin metal clips.

9

Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner. Rotors are protected with packing oil to preserve the surface until they are installed. The oil needs to be removed before the rotor is put into use. Wipe the cleaner and oil from the rotor with a clean towel.

10

Place the new rotor onto the wheel bolts. Put the new caliper with new brake pads onto the rotor. Replace the caliper bolts with the socket and ratchet.

11

Turn the steering wheel to the right and change the left brake caliper and rotor as you did the right side.

12

Turn the steering wheel so that the wheels wheels are neutral, or pointed forward. Place the wheels onto the wheel bolts. Screw on the lug nuts.

13

Lift the vehicle with the jack, remove the stands and lower the Sunfire to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron.

14

Press and hold the brake pedal three times. This will force brake fluid into the new calipers and set the caliper pistons to the proper position. Remove the master cylinder cap under the hood of the Pontiac. The master cylinder is located near the windshield, on the driver's side. Add brake fluid to the container until it is full. Replace the cap and close the hood.