2010-2016 Buick Lacrosse Front Brake Pads & Rotors How to Replace

Published on November 12, 2019
Duration: 13:15

This guide details the process of replacing the front brake pads and rotors on a 2015 Buick LaCrosse 2.4L model. It covers loosening lug nuts, lifting the vehicle, removing the caliper and bracket, replacing pads and rotors, compressing the caliper piston, and reassembling the components. Specific torque values for caliper bracket bolts and lug nuts are provided, along with crucial advice on supporting the caliper and re-seating the brake pedal.

Quick Summary

To replace front brake pads and rotors on a 2015 Buick LaCrosse, loosen lug nuts, lift the vehicle, remove the caliper and bracket, swap pads/rotors, compress the piston, and reassemble. Crucially, pump the brake pedal until firm before driving and torque lug nuts in stages to prevent rotor warping. Always support the caliper to avoid damaging the brake hose.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Model Identification
  2. 00:21Loosening Lug Nuts and Lifting Vehicle
  3. 00:30Caliper Mounting Bolts and Torque Spec Discussion
  4. 01:51Replacing Brake Pads (Caliper Off)
  5. 02:46Replacing Brake Rotors
  6. 03:33Torque Spec Uncertainty and DIY Approach
  7. 05:24Caliper Mounting Bolt Removal
  8. 05:34Supporting the Caliper
  9. 06:02Removing Old Brake Pads
  10. 06:37Removing Sticking Brake Pads
  11. 06:58Old Brake Pads and Retaining Clips
  12. 07:15Compressing Caliper Piston
  13. 07:40Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap Removal
  14. 08:03Using Old Pad to Compress Piston
  15. 08:58Wear Indicator Placement
  16. 09:23Installing New Brake Pads
  17. 09:52Reinstalling Caliper Bracket and Caliper
  18. 10:12Seating New Pads Against Rotor
  19. 10:43Torquing Caliper Bracket Bolts
  20. 10:46Reinstalling Wheel
  21. 10:50Lug Nut Torquing Procedure
  22. 11:51Both Sides Completed
  23. 11:54Replacing Brake Fluid Cap
  24. 12:05Post-Installation Brake Pedal Check
  25. 12:20Pumping Brake Pedal to Firm Up
  26. 12:58Normal Brake Pedal Achieved
  27. 13:06Outro and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you compress the caliper piston when replacing brake pads?

To compress the caliper piston, remove the brake fluid reservoir cap. Then, use an old brake pad and a C-clamp to slowly push the piston back into the caliper until it stops. This creates space for the thicker new brake pads.

What are the torque specifications for the caliper mounting bolts on a 2015 Buick LaCrosse?

The speaker could not definitively find torque specifications for the caliper mounting bolts and whether they are torque-to-yield. He advises verifying this information, but notes that dealership mechanics reuse them with impact guns. For the caliper bracket bolts, 25-27 ft-lbs is suggested.

Why is it important to pump the brake pedal after replacing brake pads?

After installing new brake pads, you must pump the brake pedal several times until it firms up. This action pushes the caliper piston back out to make contact with the new, thicker pads, ensuring you have braking power before driving.

What is the correct procedure for tightening lug nuts on a Buick LaCrosse?

Lug nuts should be tightened in a crisscross pattern over three stages: first to 30 ft-lbs, then to 60 ft-lbs, and finally to 90-100 ft-lbs. This ensures the wheel is mounted straight and prevents rotor warping.

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