Hi fellow G6ers
In this “HOW-TO” I’ll go through the steps I took to change the brake pads and rotors (front only) for my 2007 G6 GT (3.5L).
I use NAPA’s OE-Ceramic pads # SS-7932-X (about $55.00). Also, I had them machine the rotors instead of replace them ($18.00) mainly because replacing them wasn’t necessary.
It was a very easy task for a nice Saturday morning. The tools needed were; a hydraulic jack, two small jack stands, a 9/16” socket, a 15mm socket (with a 3/8” drive ratchet), "C" clamp and a screw driver.
(FIGURE-1)First I broke lose the lug nuts (barely) then jacked up the car. Once the G6 was being supported by the jack stands I removed the front tires, (take note, which tire belongs on which side, its important for radial tires.)(FIGURE-2).
(FIGURE-3-1)The next step is to remove the (2) two top bolts from the brake assembly then remove the two bottom bolts (FIGURE-3-2). (NOTE; leave the bolt (15mm) that fastens the brake assembly snug so you can slide the pad housing off.) Once you have the caliber off support it with a tie-wrap or piece of string so it doesn’t tangle by the fluid line. I used a small short bungee cord (FIGURE-4).Then remove the final bolt (15mm) that is left.
By now you should have the whole brake assembly on the ground and hanging up by a bungee (FIGURE-4 and FIGURE-5). Now just pop the old pads out of the housing and set them aside.
Next step, the rotor, with the brake parts cleared from the area notice that (2) two lugs have retaining clips on them (FIGURE-6). These clips must be removed before the rotor can be removed. There might be a tool for this clip but I used a screwdriver to loosen it (turning it counter clockwise) then I simply unscrewed it from the lugs. Once this clip is removed you should be able to just slide the rotor off.
Now you should have the rotor on the ground next to the brake parts. At this time you can either drive down to your local parts store and have them machine (turn)the rotors or you have a new set ready for installation.
The CALIPER piston;
Before you can insert your new brake pads you will need to retract the caliper piston. This is done by a “Caliper Tool”. I used, and many others too, a “C” clamp.
Notice in figure-8 the caliper piston, this is the position before using the “Caliber Tool”. Figure-9 is the piston after using the “Caliper Tool” (or “C” clamp).
Using the “C” clamp;
Place an old pad in the front of the caliper piston and slowly tighten the clamp down (see figure-10) till the piston reaches bottom. Be sure your piston boot does not bulge out, if so you may have air in the boot and will not be able to install the new pads without damaging the boot. (That is an easy fix but not for here.)
To install the brake assemblies first reinstall the new or machined rotor, don’t forget the retaining clips, then install the housing assembly (see figure-4). At this time you can insert the new pads into the housing (NOTE; insert the pads in the same position in which they were removed, noting the positions during removal and reuse the metal backs if they are still there.) Once the new pads are in place slide the caliper onto the housing. If the caliper section does not fit you may need to check the caliper piston and be sure it is retracted all the way. Then reverse the order of sequences for removal.
This “HOW TO” is meant to give others an idea of what to expect.
If someone else would like to add to this “HOW TO” then please do.
Before anyone chooses to criticize a “HOW TO” please write your version and post it so you can see it’s harder than it looks.
I hope I was helpful and good luck!!!!
Figure 1, 2, 3-1, 3-2 and 4.
In this “HOW-TO” I’ll go through the steps I took to change the brake pads and rotors (front only) for my 2007 G6 GT (3.5L).
I use NAPA’s OE-Ceramic pads # SS-7932-X (about $55.00). Also, I had them machine the rotors instead of replace them ($18.00) mainly because replacing them wasn’t necessary.
It was a very easy task for a nice Saturday morning. The tools needed were; a hydraulic jack, two small jack stands, a 9/16” socket, a 15mm socket (with a 3/8” drive ratchet), "C" clamp and a screw driver.
(FIGURE-1)First I broke lose the lug nuts (barely) then jacked up the car. Once the G6 was being supported by the jack stands I removed the front tires, (take note, which tire belongs on which side, its important for radial tires.)(FIGURE-2).
(FIGURE-3-1)The next step is to remove the (2) two top bolts from the brake assembly then remove the two bottom bolts (FIGURE-3-2). (NOTE; leave the bolt (15mm) that fastens the brake assembly snug so you can slide the pad housing off.) Once you have the caliber off support it with a tie-wrap or piece of string so it doesn’t tangle by the fluid line. I used a small short bungee cord (FIGURE-4).Then remove the final bolt (15mm) that is left.
By now you should have the whole brake assembly on the ground and hanging up by a bungee (FIGURE-4 and FIGURE-5). Now just pop the old pads out of the housing and set them aside.
Next step, the rotor, with the brake parts cleared from the area notice that (2) two lugs have retaining clips on them (FIGURE-6). These clips must be removed before the rotor can be removed. There might be a tool for this clip but I used a screwdriver to loosen it (turning it counter clockwise) then I simply unscrewed it from the lugs. Once this clip is removed you should be able to just slide the rotor off.
Now you should have the rotor on the ground next to the brake parts. At this time you can either drive down to your local parts store and have them machine (turn)the rotors or you have a new set ready for installation.
The CALIPER piston;
Before you can insert your new brake pads you will need to retract the caliper piston. This is done by a “Caliper Tool”. I used, and many others too, a “C” clamp.
Notice in figure-8 the caliper piston, this is the position before using the “Caliber Tool”. Figure-9 is the piston after using the “Caliper Tool” (or “C” clamp).
Using the “C” clamp;
Place an old pad in the front of the caliper piston and slowly tighten the clamp down (see figure-10) till the piston reaches bottom. Be sure your piston boot does not bulge out, if so you may have air in the boot and will not be able to install the new pads without damaging the boot. (That is an easy fix but not for here.)
To install the brake assemblies first reinstall the new or machined rotor, don’t forget the retaining clips, then install the housing assembly (see figure-4). At this time you can insert the new pads into the housing (NOTE; insert the pads in the same position in which they were removed, noting the positions during removal and reuse the metal backs if they are still there.) Once the new pads are in place slide the caliper onto the housing. If the caliper section does not fit you may need to check the caliper piston and be sure it is retracted all the way. Then reverse the order of sequences for removal.
This “HOW TO” is meant to give others an idea of what to expect.
If someone else would like to add to this “HOW TO” then please do.
Before anyone chooses to criticize a “HOW TO” please write your version and post it so you can see it’s harder than it looks.
I hope I was helpful and good luck!!!!
Figure 1, 2, 3-1, 3-2 and 4.