How to Replace Front Brake Pads on a 1998 Olds Achieva SL

The Oldsmobile Achieva was available in four different trim styles including the S, the SC, the SCX and the SL. The trim style did not matter procedurally when it came to replacing the front brake pads. The Achieva was introduced in 1992 and was produced through 1997. The leftover sedans were sold to dealerships as 1998 models until the Achieva was replaced by the Alero in 1999.

Instructions

1

Make sure the Achieva is parked on a level and paved surface before attempting to lift it. Release the hood latch and apply the parking brake.

2

Open the hood and remove half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder using a brake fluid baster. Replace the cap to the master cylinder and then discard the old brake fluid.

3

Loosen the lug nuts on both front wheels one-quarter turn counterclockwise with the lug nut iron.

4

Lift the front end of the Achieva--one side at a time--and slowly lower it onto jack stands placed under each front frame rail. Finish removing the lug nuts and then remove the wheels.

5

Place a C-clamp over the caliper assembly so the top of the clamp is on the inside housing of the caliper and the screw drive is against the backing plate of the outboard pad. Slowly tighten the clamp in order to compress the caliper piston fully into the piston bore.

6

Use the 3/8-inch hex head bit and a ratchet to remove the upper and lower caliper mounting bolts and sleeves assemblies.

7

Bend the wire coat hanger to make a makeshift caliper hanger and support the caliper assembly and hanger to the strut coil spring.

8

Use the wire brush to clean off the rust and corrosion from the upper and lower caliper anchor abutments where the pads tabs are seated. Apply a light coat of silicone brake lubricant to the flat surface of the anchor abutment mating surface.

9

Remove the outboard pad from the caliper first by prying off the retaining button tabs using the slotted screwdriver. Remove the inboard pad last by pulling its retaining clip from the hollow caliper piston.

10

Apply a level coating of anti-squeal brake compound to the backing plate of the inboard pad first and then press its retaining clip into the hollow caliper piston. Apply a level coating to the outboard pad last and then use the screwdriver to help you gently pry the retaining button tabs back onto the caliper housing.

11

Remove the caliper and pad assembly from the hook and then remove the hook. Place the caliper and pad assembly onto the rotor, making sure the rubber brake hose attached to the caliper is not twisted.

12

Apply an even coat of silicone brake lubricant to the sleeves of the caliper mounting bolts and sleeves assemblies and then align them into the caliper.

13

Tighten each caliper mounting bolt and sleeve assembly to 38-ft-lbs. with the torque wrench and the 3/8-inch hex head bit (an adapter may be required depending on the drive size of the bit and the wrench).

14

Repeat the pad replacement procedure for the opposite front wheel and then replace the wheel and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts flush to the hub and then lift the Achieva high enough to remove the jack stands--one at a time--and then slowly lower the vehicle to the ground.

15

Pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm and then release the parking brake.

16

Check the level of the brake fluid in the master cylinder and add new brake fluid if necessary. Replace the cap, close the hood and then test-drive the car for proper braking operation.