The Pontiac Bonneville has either disc or drum brakes in the rear of the car. Both types of brakes provide adequate stopping power for a passenger car. Replacing the rear disc brakes on a Bonneville is a simple procedure to perform. Read further to learn how.
Instructions
Removal of the Old Disc Brakes
1. Verify that the brake fluid is less than half full. If necessary, siphon some of the brake fluid from the reservoir with a syringe or suction gun. Empty it into an approved container and dispose of it according to your local regulations.
2. Raise the rear of the Bonneville off the ground with a car jack. Support it on all sides with jack stands to prevent tipping. Keep children and animals away from the vehicle while servicing it.
3. Loosen the lug nuts of the wheel and tire assembly with a torque wrench. Remove the assemblies and set aside face up to prevent damage to them.
4. Compress the caliper piston into the bore with a large C-clamp to make room for the brake caliper to pivot off its bracket. Be sure you do not compress it more than one millimeter of piston travel.
5. Unscrew the parking brake cable guide pin bolt from the lower control arm. Take out the bottom brake caliper pin bolt and rotate the caliper upwards. Hang the caliper from the frame of the Bonneville with mechanical wire to prevent breaking the brake hose.
6. Slide out the inboard and outboard brake pads. Inspect the brake pad retainers and replace if damage is apparent.
Installation of the New Disc Brakes
7. Verify that the brake caliper suspension boots, pin bolts and piston boot are free of damage. If you see visible damage or corrosion, replace them.
8. Turn the piston clockwise with a spanner wrench until it retreats into the bore. Align the notches in the piston with the alignment pins on the new brake pads.
9. Lubricate the rear brake caliper bolts with a high temperature lubricant. Fasten the brake pad retainers to the brake caliper bracket, followed by the inboard and outboard brake pads.
10. Release the caliper from the mechanical wire and place it in the caliper bracket over the brake pads. Replace the brake caliper pin bolt and torque to 20 foot/pounds.
11. Insert the parking brake guide bolt in the lower arm and torque to 18 ft. lb. Replace the wheel assembly and lower the Bonneville to the ground.
12. Pump the brake pedal 2/3 of the way down to seat the pistons and brake pads. Replace any brake fluid that was lost.
Tags: brake caliper, brake pads, brake fluid, Bonneville ground, brake caliper bolt, brake pads Replace
