How to change the front brake pads and rotors 2004 Grand Prix GTP

 First, remove the wheel to expose the brakes. Remember, safety first - make sure your car is supported properly prior to beginning any work.

Remove the two bolts (15mm) on the back side of the calper and remove the caliper. It makes it a little easier if you pry the piston back a little bit from the inside pad. See photos below.

Remove the caliper from the rotor. Be careful - the brake line is still connected. Support the caliper using a piece of wire or something. Don't let it hang by the brake line.

Now you can remove the pads. Simpy pry them out of the clips.

 Remove the two clips, one at the top and one at the bottom. They just snap off (see photo). Clean them up, you'll be putting them back on later.

This next section is for replacing the brake rotor. If you are just replacing the pads, skip this section. Be sure to inspect the rotors - if they have gouges in the metal, you should be replacing them.

To take off the rotor, you'll need to remove the caliper mount first. Take out the two bolts on the back side - size 15mm.

The rotor will now be free on the lugs. If it has been on there for awhile, you'll probably have to beat it off. Some penetrating oil might help.

 Install the new rotor and reattach the caliper mount using the two 15mm bolts.

The new pads will be thicker than the old ones. You'll need to compress the piston into the caliper so it will fit over the new pads. A large C-clamp works great. Use one of the old pads on the piston and SLOWLY push it back in (see photo below).

Note: Check your brake fluid reservoir - you'll be pushing the fluid back through the lines and you could overflow it if you had too much fluid in there.

Reinstall the two clips you removed before. Push the new brake pads between them up against the rotor.

Note: When you buy the pads, you'll get 4 of them. Two have what is called a "squeal shim". Use on on each wheel. This shim emits a squeal when the pads get too low, warning you they are due for replacement.

 Now reinstall the caliper over the new pads and fasten it using the two 15mm bolts / pins. Be careful when installing it so you don't damage the rubber boots that go over the pins. Use your fingers and work them under the caliper bolt hole as you're sliding it on.

 After everything is back together, slowly press your brake pedal a few times to seat the piston and pads. They'll adjust when you drive it. Reinstall the wheel and you're done!