How do you change the brakes on a Buick Regal?

Answer 1

I really do highly recommend reading a "Service Manual" before attempting this. It's not hard, but you really need to know what is you are doing and why. 1. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel before jacking up the car as shops use air tools that generally apply too much force. Pre-loosening will prevent the car from rocking off the jacks.
2. Jack the car up and put "Jackstands" under it (ALWAYS). Jack stands are pretty inexpensive and a life saver. If jack stands are not available at least put two jacks to distribute the load and add a measure of safety.
3. Remove tire/wheel.
4. Remove the two bolts holding the "Brake Caliper" in place (DO NOT let caliper hang by the brake hose). Use mechanics wire or tiewrap to secure the caliper in place or let it rest in a spot above the rotor.
5. Remove old "Brake Pads" and clips from Caliper. This is also a good time to remove the brake fluid cap. Low fluid will not be a problem, as it will fill up when the caliper plungers are depressed. If the fluid is full, then it may overflow during the installation of the new brakes and some should be removed.
6. Install new "Brake Pads" and clips (you may need a C-Clamp to seat the plunger before new pads will go in). The plunger must be pushed in all the way before the new pads are installed. The plunger on the rear caliper may need to be rotated before it will begin to move. If there is any damage to the rubber boot around the plunger or if there is significant trouble depressing the plunger, then you may need to consider replacing them.
7. Lube the Caliper bolts replace caliper - torque bolts to spec (DO NOT cross thread bolts - if bolts are damaged IN ANY WAY replace them). Cross threading is easy to identify. The brake pads should sit flat against the rotor. If they are at an angle, then they have been cross threaded. Remove the caliper and try a more appropriate angle.
8. Check Brake fluid, replace if necessary.
9. Pump brake pedal until brakes are firm. If they feel "squishy", then you will need to bleed the brakes. Bleeding will require two people. Starting with the rear brakes have one person open the bleeder valve while the other presses down on and holds the brake. Brake fluid with bubbles should come out. The bleeder valve is then closed and the brake is released. Perform this on each brake until no bubbles are present.
9. Replace tire Wheel Assembly - torque lug nuts to spec. Also recommended - remove rotors (Air tools maybe required to remove the rotors) and take them to a "Brake Place" and have them check the rotors for warpage and cut if necessary. Always try and get the "Best" pads you can find. TommyTribble