Safety First:
* Engage the parking brake firmly. This is crucial to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Wear safety glasses.
* Use jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Use appropriate gloves. Brake dust is abrasive and can irritate skin.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands
* Lug wrench
* Wheel chocks
* Socket wrench set (metric)
* Wrenches (metric)
* Brake caliper compression tool (highly recommended)
* C-clamp (as an alternative to a compression tool, less ideal)
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster)
* Wire brush
* Clean rags
* New brake pads and possibly rotors (inspect for wear)
Procedure:
1. Secure the Vehicle: Chock the front wheels, raise the rear of the vehicle with a jack, and securely support it with jack stands. Remove the wheel you're working on.
2. Inspect the Brake System: Before you begin disassembly, take a moment to examine the brake caliper, pads, and rotor for wear and tear. Note the position of the caliper and brake line for reassembly.
3. Remove the Caliper:
* Locate the caliper mounting bolts. These are usually two bolts on the caliper's bracket.
* Apply penetrating oil to the bolts if they appear seized. Let it sit for a few minutes.
* Unscrew the bolts using the appropriate socket wrench.
* Carefully remove the caliper. It's connected by a brake hose; support the caliper to prevent the hose from stretching or bending excessively. You might need to use a bungee cord or wire to keep it out of the way.
4. Compress the Caliper Piston:
* This step is crucial. The piston needs to be compressed to allow the new brake pads to fit.
* Use a brake caliper compression tool. This is the best and safest method. It evenly compresses the piston, preventing damage.
* If you don't have a compression tool, a C-clamp can be used with caution. Be very careful not to damage the piston seal. Insert a block of wood between the C-clamp and the piston to distribute the pressure evenly.
5. Remove the Brake Pads:
* Once the piston is compressed, the brake pads should slide out. There's usually a retaining clip or pin holding them in place.
* Remove the old pads. Inspect the pad wear indicators to make sure they were replaced at the right time.
6. Inspect and Replace the Rotor (if necessary): Inspect the rotor for scoring, excessive wear, or cracks. If necessary, replace the rotor. Removing the rotor may require removing additional caliper mounting bolts or brackets.
7. Reassembly:
* Install the new brake pads.
* Reinstall the caliper, ensuring the pads are correctly seated.
* Tighten the caliper mounting bolts to the manufacturer's specifications (check your repair manual).
* Reinstall the wheel.
8. Repeat for the other side.
9. Bleed the Brakes: After installing new pads or calipers, bleeding the brakes is essential to remove air from the lines. This should be done using a brake bleeder kit and a helper to pump the brake pedal. Refer to your repair manual for the bleeding procedure.
Important Considerations:
* Always refer to a repair manual specific to your 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora. This guide provides a general overview, and variations in the process may exist.
* If you're not comfortable performing this task, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Brake work is critical for safety.
* Properly dispose of used brake pads and rotors. They contain hazardous materials.
This detailed guide should help, but remember to consult your vehicle's repair manual for precise instructions and torque specifications. Safety should be your top priority.
