New brake pads need to be installed in your Pontiac G6 every 60,000 miles or even earlier if you frequently drive under stressful conditions, such as city driving. The brake pads, which press against the brake rotor when the breaks are applied, are seated within the brake caliper and its mount on the rotor. You need to install new brake pads on both sides of the car, not just one side at a time.
Check the fluid level in the brake master cylinder. It needs to be midway between the minimum and maximum levels. If it is higher, siphon out as much fluid as needed with a clean siphon or turkey baster.
Raise the G6's front end securely on jack stands. Loosen and remove the lug nuts on the wheels with a tire iron, and remove the wheels. Place lug nuts onto two of the wheel studs to keep the rotor in place.
Loosen and remove the lower guide pin bolt on the brake caliper with a wrench. Push the caliper's piston back into its bore with a piston installation tool or C-clamp. Pivot the caliper up off its mount and hold it in place with a strong wire.
Install the new brake pads into their shims and retaining clips within the caliper mount. If the old pads are still in there, remove them, then remove the shims and retainers, clean off all dirt and corrosion, rub an anti-squeal compound on the shims' backing plates and place them back in the mount before installing the pads.
Lower the caliper back into place and tighten the guide pin bolt. Replace the wheel onto the G6; you'll need to remove the lug nuts supporting the rotor first.
Seat the brakes once you have installed them on both sides. Push the brake pedal about two-thirds of the way down, release the pedal and repeat every 20 seconds until the pedal feels firm.
