Replacing brake pads on a Oldsmobile Bravada is not too difficult provided you have a few of the right tools to make it easier. Depending on driving and braking habits, from normal wear and tear, brake pads can wear down between 25,000 to 35,000 miles. Replacing your own pads can save you expensive labor charges incurred at your local service station. Replacing the pads when they're low is a key component if you do not wish to replace rotors at the same time. Most pads come with wear sensors nowadays (a small metal tab riveted to the backing plate of the pad) and will make noise when the pads are getting low, indicating it's time to replace them.
Park the vehicle on a flat level paved or concrete surface. Place vehicle in park or in gear. Apply the parking brake. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right and shut ignition completely off. This will set you up to remove and replace the pads on the left front wheel first. Since the caliper is located at the back side of the front wheel, it will now extend past the wheel well when the tire is off and give you more room to work. Reverse the process when you're ready to work on the right side. Place a wheel chock behind one or both rear tires or in front and rear of one rear tire.
Break the lug nuts loose on the left front tire with the breaking bar and deep socket. Do not remove.
Lift the left front quarter panel of the vehicle with the floor jack and place jack stand under vehicle in a secure location to support the weight of the vehicle.
Remove the lug nuts and take the tire off.
Remove the caliper bolts using a 3/8-inch ratchet and 3/8-inch hex head male socket (recommended) or a 3/8-inch Allen wrench.
Pry off the caliper gently with small angled pry bar or large straight-edged screwdriver.
Remove the old pads, but take note if there is any wear sensor in what location it is in so when you place in the new pads, it's in the same location. The inboard and outboard pad have riveted hardware on them then hold them in place quite differently from one another. You may need the screwdriver or pry bar to remove old pads and when installing the new ones.
Squeeze the piston in the caliper all the way until it stops. You can use the C-clamp or an extra large pair of channel locks. It's not uncommon to see brake fluid purge from the master cylinder when doing this, especially when you get to the second caliper.
Install new pads in the same fashion the old ones were removed.
Use sandpaper or a wire brush to clean off the area on the caliper bridge where the backing plates of the pads contact. Clean as thoroughly as possible and apply a liberal coat of silicone compound or high temperature anti-seize lubricant.
Place the loaded caliper over the rotor. Clean caliper bolts with sandpaper or wire brush and apply a modest coat of lubricant on the entire surface of the bolts except the threads. Reinsert and tighten.
Replace tire and lug nuts. Tighten lug nuts as much as you can and lower the vehicle.
Torque the lug nuts in an alternate fashion using the 1/2-inch drive adjustable torque wrench set to 100 foot pounds and appropriate socket.
Repeat the procedure for the right side.
Pump the foot pedal inside the Bravada when finished to restore hydraulic pressure to braking system. Failure to do so can result in hazardous conditions. Check and adjust the level of the brake fluid in the master cylinder with DOT 3 approved brake fluid, if necessary.
Remove wheel chocks and test drive.
