The Oldsmobile Alero uses a four-wheel disc braking system for better stopping power than rear drum brakes provide. In a disc braking system, the driver pushes the brake pedal, causing the master cylinder to force brake fluid into the brake caliper under pressure. This fluid pressure forces the brake piston out and causes the brake pads to squeeze against the brake rotors. This is similar to how bicycle brakes work. Over time, the brake pads wear out and need to be replaced. This usually happens between 25,000 and 45,000 miles. Expect to take about two hours to change the brake pads on your Alero.
Raise the hood of the vehicle. Locate the brake master cylinder at the rear of the engine compartment on the driver's side. Remove the cap of the master cylinder. Use the suction tool to remove two-thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder. Replace the cap on the master cylinder.
Lift the rear of the vehicle with a jack and support it with jack stands.
Mark the wheel and the end of one wheel stud to mark the orientation of the wheel to the axle flange. Remove the wheel nuts ,and remove the tire and wheel assembly. Replace two of the wheel nuts to keep the rotor on the vehicle.
Compress the brake caliper piston into the caliper. Place the C-clamp with one end against the outer brake pad and the other end against the back side of the brake caliper. Turn the C-clamp handle clockwise to push the piston in enough to remove the caliper. Use the correct-sized socket to remove the caliper bolts. Remove the brake caliper by rocking it off the caliper mounting frame. Hang the brake caliper up with a bungee cord or coat hanger to support it.
Remove the brake pads from the brake caliper by sliding them out of the clips. Slide the caliper retaining clips from the brake caliper frame. Inspect the brake caliper bolt boots for cracking or tearing. The boots are between the caliper frame and the caliper. Inspect the caliper piston boot for tears or deterioration. Replace these parts if you find any problems. Inspect the caliper bolts for corrosion. If they are corroded, replace the bolts and bushings. Do not try to polish the corrosion off the parts. Wipe the surface of the caliper boot with denatured alcohol.
Push the caliper piston completely into the caliper using the C-clamp. Be careful not to damage the boot or caliper piston. Make sure that the piston boot lies completely flat below the surface of the caliper piston. Lift the inner edge of the caliper boot and allow any trapped air to escape. Install the brake pad clips on the caliper bracket.
Install the brake pads onto the caliper brackets. Apply silicone grease to the caliper bolts. Install the brake caliper onto the caliper frame. Install the bolts in the brake caliper and tighten them. Remove the wheel nuts from the brake rotor. Install the wheel and tire assembly using the reference mark to make certain that it is in the same position, and tighten the wheel nuts.
Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.
Fill the master cylinder under the hood with new DOT-3 brake fluid.
Press the brake pedal three times to completely push the brake caliper piston out before you operate the vehicle.
