How to Replace Front Brakes 08-14 Cadillac CTS
Difficulty: Intermediate · About 100 min · Cadillac Cts
Renew front brake pads and rotors on a 2008–2014 Cadillac CTS, supporting the caliper, cleaning its sliding surfaces, and tightening the bracket and wheel hardware to specification.
Tools you will need
- 14mm Wrench
- Large C-Clamp
- Socket Extensions
- Torque Wrench
- Hammer
- Channel-Lock Pliers
- Pry Bar
- 18mm Socket
- Flat Blade Screwdriver
- T30 Driver
- Bungee Cord
- Anti-Seize Grease
- Ratchet
- Needle nose pliers
- 1/2 Inch Breaker Bar
- 22mm Socket
Parts and supplies
- Front brake pads
- Front brake rotors
- Wheel lug nuts
Steps
Lift the vehicle and remove the wheel
Loosen the lug nuts on the ground, then raise and support the vehicle securely. Remove the wheel to access the front brake assembly.
Remove the caliper, bracket, and rotor
Remove the caliper bolts and suspend the caliper with a bungee cord so the hose stays relaxed. Remove the pads and bracket bolts, then remove the rotor retaining screw and slide off the rotor.
Clean the hub and brake hardware
Brush corrosion from the hub and pad contact surfaces. Clean both sides of the replacement rotor with brake cleaner, and apply appropriate grease only to designated sliding or contact points.
Install the rotor and new pads
Fit the rotor and secure it with its retaining screw. Reinstall the bracket and tighten its fasteners to specification, then retract the caliper piston with a clamp and old pad before fitting the new pads and caliper.
Refit the wheel and verify pedal feel
Tighten the caliper fasteners to the vehicle's specifications and reinstall the wheel. Lower the vehicle, torque the lug nuts in a crossing pattern, and pump the pedal until firm before a low-speed brake check.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.