Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and Jack Stands: Essential for safely lifting the vehicle.
* Wheel Chocks: To prevent the car from rolling.
* Lug Wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Socket Set and Wrenches: Various sizes will be needed for caliper bolts, brake line fittings, etc. Check your repair manual for specifics.
* C-Clamp or Brake Caliper Compressor: To compress the caliper piston.
* Brake Caliper Wrench (optional but helpful): Makes removing and installing the caliper easier.
* Penetrating Oil (PB Blaster or similar): Helps loosen rusted bolts.
* New Rear Brake Pads and Rotors (if needed): Always replace both pads on each side. Inspect the rotors for scoring or excessive wear; replace if necessary.
* Grease: For lubricating caliper pins and slide pins.
* Clean Rags or Shop Towels: To clean surfaces.
* Safety Glasses and Gloves: Protect yourself from injury.
General Steps (Consult your repair manual for precise details):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks on the wheels that remain on the ground. Lift the vehicle using the jack and securely support it with jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
3. Inspect the Brakes: Carefully examine the brake pads and rotors for wear and tear. Measure pad thickness to determine if replacement is needed. Check the caliper for damage or leaks.
4. Remove the Caliper: This often involves removing bolts securing the caliper to the caliper bracket. You might need to use a caliper wrench to make this easier. Be careful not to damage the brake lines. Once the caliper is loose, carefully support it with a bungee cord or wire to prevent it from hanging by the brake line.
5. Compress the Caliper Piston: Using a C-clamp or brake caliper compressor, carefully push the piston back into the caliper. This creates space for the new, thicker brake pads. Be careful not to damage the piston seal. Some calipers require turning the piston while compressing.
6. Remove the Old Brake Pads: The old brake pads should now be easily removable.
7. Install the New Brake Pads: Insert the new brake pads into the caliper bracket.
8. Install the Caliper: Reinstall the caliper onto the caliper bracket, tightening the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications (found in your repair manual).
9. Reinstall the Wheel: Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque specification (found in your repair manual).
10. Repeat for the Other Side: Repeat steps 2-9 for the other rear wheel.
11. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
12. Test the Brakes: Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times to ensure proper engagement. Test drive the vehicle carefully, paying close attention to brake performance. If anything feels unusual, have the brakes inspected by a professional mechanic.
Important Considerations:
* Bleeding the Brakes: In some cases, you might need to bleed the brakes after replacing the pads and/or rotors. This removes air from the brake lines. This step is usually not required with just pad changes, but it's worth checking your manual.
* Parking Brake: The 1999 Aurora may have a drum-style parking brake within the rear rotor. If you need to replace parking brake components, that is an additional step, requiring specific tools and procedures. Consult your repair manual.
* Rotor Replacement: If replacing rotors, ensure they are properly seated and cleaned before installing new pads.
Remember, this is a general guide. Always consult your vehicle's repair manual for detailed instructions and torque specifications. Improperly installed brakes can be extremely dangerous. If you are not comfortable performing this task, have a qualified mechanic do it.
