How to Replace Rear Brakes 03-14 Saab 9-3
Difficulty: Advanced · About 120 min · Saab 9-3
Replace the rear disc pads and rotors on a 2003–14 Saab 9-3 while reconnecting the mechanical parking brake and confirming a firm pedal afterward.
Tools you will need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- 17 mm socket
- 7 mm hex wrench
- E18 inverted Torx socket
- Pry bar
- Wire brush
- Brake grease
- Torque wrench
- Drain pan
- Assistant
Parts and supplies
- Rear brake pads
- Rear brake rotors
Steps
Lift and remove the wheel
Loosen the lug nuts with the vehicle on the ground. Raise and support the rear securely, then remove the wheel to access the brake assembly.
Disconnect and remove the caliper
Release the parking brake cable from the caliper lever and bracket, then remove the pad retainer and caliper slider bolts. Lift the caliper aside without straining its hose.
Remove the bracket and rotor
Remove the caliper carrier bolts and set the carrier aside. Remove the rotor retaining screw and slide the rotor off the hub.
Prepare the replacement parts
Clean corrosion from the hub and carrier pad seats. Clean the new rotor with brake cleaner, fit it to the hub, and apply a small amount of brake lubricant to pad contact areas.
Install pads and caliper
Reinstall the carrier and tighten its fasteners to the vehicle's specification. Seat the pads correctly, refit the caliper, and tighten its slider bolts to specification.
Reconnect the parking brake
Reconnect the parking cable to the caliper lever and secure its routing. Operate the lever to confirm it returns freely and applies the brake without binding.
Bleed and verify the brakes
If the hydraulic circuit was opened, bleed the caliper until the fluid runs clear and bubble-free, keeping the reservoir topped up. Reinstall the wheel, torque lugs to specification, pump the pedal firm, and test cautiously.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.