Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To secure the other wheels.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Wheel removal tool (if necessary): Some wheels may require this to prevent damaging the rims.
* Caliper piston compression tool: Crucial for retracting the caliper piston. You can buy specific tools, or use a C-clamp and some padding carefully.
* Socket wrench set and metric sockets: Various sizes will be needed.
* Wrench for caliper mounting bolts: Probably 14mm or 15mm.
* Torque wrench: To tighten bolts to the correct specifications.
* Clean rags or shop towels: To clean brake parts.
* Brake cleaner: To thoroughly clean brake parts before installation.
* Gloves: To keep your hands clean.
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster): May help loosen stubborn bolts.
* New rear rotors: Make sure you get the correct ones for your car.
* Anti-seize compound: To prevent future corrosion on caliper mounting bolts.
Procedure:
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the front wheels. Raise the rear of the car using the jack and securely support it with jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and carefully remove the wheel.
3. Remove the Caliper:
* Locate the caliper mounting bolts.
* Use a wrench to remove these bolts. Sometimes they can be stubborn, so penetrating oil may be necessary.
* Carefully remove the caliper assembly. You may need to support the caliper with a wire or bungee cord to keep it from hanging by the brake line.
4. Compress the Caliper Piston:
* This is the most critical step. Use the caliper piston compression tool to slowly and evenly retract the caliper piston. If using a C-clamp method, be extremely careful not to damage the piston or the rubber boot. Pushing too hard or unevenly can cause damage and lead to brake failure.
5. Remove the Rotor: The rotor should now be able to slide off the wheel studs. Sometimes they can be stubborn due to rust. A gentle tap with a rubber mallet might be necessary, but avoid damaging the rotor's surface.
6. Install the New Rotor: Clean the mounting surface of the hub thoroughly. Slide the new rotor onto the wheel studs. Make sure it sits flush against the hub.
7. Reinstall the Caliper: Carefully slide the caliper back over the rotor and reinstall the mounting bolts. Torque them to the manufacturer's specifications.
8. Reinstall the Wheel: Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts). Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.
9. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle.
10. Pump the Brakes: Get in the car, firmly pump the brake pedal several times to ensure the brakes engage properly.
11. Test Drive: Take a short test drive to verify the brakes function correctly.
Important Considerations:
* Brake Pads: Inspect your brake pads while the caliper is off. If they are worn, replace them at the same time.
* Parking Brake: If your parking brake is cable-actuated, you might need to adjust it after the repair.
* Wheel Bearings: This is a good opportunity to inspect your wheel bearings for wear and tear.
* ABS System: If your car has an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), be aware that you might need to bleed the brakes after replacing the rotors to remove any air introduced during the process. Consult your repair manual.
This is a general guide. Always refer to a repair manual specific to your 1994 Firebird Trans AM for detailed instructions, torque specifications, and safety precautions. If you are uncomfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your car to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed brakes can be extremely dangerous.
