How to Replace the Rotors on a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am

The disc brakes on the Pontiac Grand Am make use of a hydraulic piston to squeeze the brake pads together with the rotor disc between them. This friction slows and stops the car. This process puts the rotor under a great deal of heat and stress, and if they get too hot, they can warp. Additionally, rotors can sustain damage when you allow the brake pads to wear beyond the recommended thickness. When they wear beyond that point, the rivets holding the brake lining on the pad start to cut grooves into the rotor discs. These grooves are usually too deep to allow for machining the disc so new ones need to be purchased.

Instructions

1

Place a set of wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the Grand Am.

2

Raise the Pontiac up with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the car near the jacking point and raise it to the frame. Remove the wheel using the lug wrench.

3

Remove the brake caliper using a socket and ratchet to loosen the bolts. Secure the caliper to the strut using a wire tie. Never allow the caliper to hang or you will damage the brake line.

4

Pull the rotor off the wheel assembly.

5

Put the new rotor on the wheel assembly. Cut the wire tie from the brake caliper with the pliers and place it back on the wheel. Tighten the caliper bolts with the socket and ratchet. Replace the wheel using the lug wrench.

6

Remove the jack stand from under the Grand Am and lower the car to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.