Before you begin:
* Safety First: Always use jack stands and never work under a car supported only by a jack. Wear safety glasses.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, lug wrench, socket set (metric), wrench set, brake caliper tool (C-clamp or equivalent for compressing the caliper piston), wire brush, brake cleaner, new brake pads (front), new brake shoes and hardware (rear), possibly a drum brake spring tool (rear), and a torque wrench. Consult your repair manual for specific socket and wrench sizes.
* Repair Manual: Highly recommended! A repair manual specific to your 2000 Saturn SL will provide detailed instructions and torque specifications crucial for safe and proper installation.
Front Disc Brakes (Pads):
1. Safety: Chock the rear wheels, engage the parking brake, and raise the front of the car securely on jack stands.
2. Remove Wheel: Remove the wheel using the lug wrench.
3. Remove Caliper: Use a socket to remove the caliper bolts. Carefully support the caliper with a wire or bungee cord to prevent it from hanging by the brake line.
4. Compress Caliper Piston: Use the brake caliper tool to carefully compress the piston. It will likely require some force.
5. Remove Brake Pads: The old brake pads should now slide out. Clean the caliper bracket with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
6. Install New Pads: Insert the new brake pads into the caliper.
7. Reinstall Caliper: Reinstall the caliper and bolts, tightening to the correct torque specification (check your repair manual).
8. Reinstall Wheel: Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the correct torque specification.
9. Repeat for Other Side: Repeat steps 2-8 for the other front wheel.
10. Pump Brakes: After reinstalling everything, pump the brake pedal several times to restore pressure.
Rear Drum Brakes (Shoes):
1. Safety: Chock the front wheels, engage the parking brake, and raise the rear of the car securely on jack stands.
2. Remove Wheel: Remove the wheel using the lug wrench.
3. Remove Drum: The brake drum may be stuck on due to rust. Gently tap it around the circumference with a rubber mallet to loosen it.
4. Remove Brake Shoes: Once the drum is off, you'll see the brake shoes. There are several springs and adjusting mechanisms holding the shoes in place. This is where a repair manual and possibly a drum brake spring tool become crucial. Take pictures as you disassemble to help with reassembly.
5. Inspect and Clean: Inspect the drum for excessive wear or scoring. Clean all parts with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
6. Install New Shoes and Hardware: Install the new brake shoes and all the associated springs and hardware. Again, your repair manual is essential here.
7. Adjust Brake Shoes: There is usually an automatic adjuster, but you may need to manually adjust the shoes to ensure proper clearance. Your repair manual will explain this.
8. Reinstall Drum: Carefully reinstall the drum.
9. Reinstall Wheel: Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the correct torque specification.
10. Repeat for Other Side: Repeat steps 2-9 for the other rear wheel.
11. Pump Brakes: After reinstalling everything, pump the brake pedal several times to restore pressure.
After completing the brake job:
* Test Brakes: Carefully test the brakes in a safe, controlled environment, gradually increasing speed. If anything feels off, stop immediately and have a mechanic check your work.
* Bleed Brakes (Possibly): In some cases, bleeding the brakes might be necessary to remove air from the brake lines. This is a more advanced procedure, also best described in your repair manual.
Remember, this is a simplified overview. Consult your vehicle's repair manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions specific to your 2000 Saturn SL. If you are not comfortable performing this task, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Brake failure can be extremely dangerous.
