Mechanics Help?

[munruss]

I am changing my brakes this weekend on my 2002 Pontiac Grand AM GT and I need to know what I need to remove the caliper pins. If I am correct, I believe I need a torx socket, but I am not too sure of the size. Is this corret?

 

[Electric Amish]

??

This is beyond me. I've never heard about removing caliper pins.

 

[alkemyst]

www.autozone.com has online manuals for free

so does chiltons (which is what autozone uses)...unfortunately 2000 is the last year they go up to....

For most cars I think just a normal socket about 10mm-12mm or 1/2" to 9/16" is all you need.

if you are just doing the pads you may be able to just remove one pin and rock it up. I usually pull both and relube them at the same time though.

 

[T2T III]

The last Pontiac that I worked on was a 1989 Pontiac. At the time, a torx bit was required to remove the calipers. Now? I'm not sure. If the above recommendations don't work out for locating this information, your library should also have the Chilton's books in print. However, my favorite repair manuals are the Hayne's manuals because of their better detail and great pictures.

Oh, and one more thing. I'm assuming that your car has anti-lock brakes. If so, ensure that you follow the additional procedures that might be required to change the pads. Additionally, you might consider putting new rotors on the car at the time you do the brake pads. I've found that many original equipment rotors are usually pretty crappy and even the $50 replacement rotors are of much better quality.

 

[LAUST]

Just turn your wheels and have a peek, if it's torx they come in a 3 pack of the most common sizes..

 

[munruss]

My car has antilock brakes, but that shouldn't have anything to do with changing the pads and having the rotors trued. I agree, the factory rotors suck, but I don't want to invest in new rotors on a leased car. I'm just going to take the pads off, have the rotors trued, and put new pads back on. As far as antilock brakes, that is driven by the computer. I just have to push the pistons back and carefully slap on the pads. I've done this before on other cars in the past.

 

[alkemyst]

Check the price for replacement OEM rotors before getting them turned....I was able to get a couple for about the same price as a turning, Borg Warner or some other name brand too. They were better quality than the factory based on appearance and feel....I have no idea if they were truly better though....i'd imagine they would be.

Also for those reading this and planning on keeping you cars....Brembo makes OEM style rotors now....very high quality and the price was only about $10 more for my car than average OEM.

 

Common GM Torx sizes for caliper bolts.

55
40
25

 

[munruss]

The price for my rotors are about $70 each. To get them trued is about $20 all together. The car is leased and is going back in a year. I don't want to go over board with this. Like any job I do, I like to do it correctly. However, I do agree that the factory rotors for this car is horrible, but once I get them trued, I'll be fine for a year.

Thanks for the torx sizes. I'll see which one will fit.

 

[Evadman]

They are a T40. That is what was on my brother's 2001 grand am.

 

[alkemyst]

$20 is a good price.