04 SE front brakes

[J Wikoff]

My wife's 04 SE (3.4L, came with steelies originally, now have 15" wheels, was a rental car, if that helps) needs new front brake pads.

I would like to upgrade the pads and rotors, while I'm at it. Nothing elaborate, but I'd like ceramic pads and some decent rotors. I'd like to spend $100-$150 total.

Suggestions on parts and where I can get them? I've got Autozone, Advance, Napa, O'Reilly nearby. I'd prefer not to order them online. I need to have this done by the end of the week.

[AznGA]

I think Wagner makes good pads and rotors to replace the stock parts. I am on my 3rd set of Wagner pads and they are good without any brake dust.

[roksoc]

This should be in your price range I think brake upgrade (http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59517)

[J Wikoff]

Hmm, if we planned on keeping the GA for more than a few years, I'd do the Vette brakes. Now, if you can figure out how to do them on my Bonneville, I'm all in.

Wagner it is, since I can pick them up tomorrow.

[J Wikoff]

Is there a GA specific How-To around here somewhere for front brakes?

I've got pads, rotors, and fluid. Missing anything?

[DRMALIKIA]

1) Take off your wheel

2) Remove the Caliper Sliding Bolts. The top bolt comes completely off the bottom bolt doesn't need too. You will need two wrenches or a socket and wrench (preferabe) as there is an inner and outter bolt combination. Hold the inner side (could be covered by the rubber boot) with the wrench, unscrew the bolt with the socket wrench

3) Remove old pads

4) Remove the caliper mounting bracket bolts

5) Everything is disassembled

6) don't let the caliper hang by the brake line

I am too tired to do the rest, go buy a Hayes manual for further directions or wait until my lunch break tomorrow at work if I remember. lol

[J Wikoff]

Alright, the job went off without a hitch. The first side took twice as long as the second because I was winging it. ;)

I did do it without removing the caliper sliding bolts. I didn't see the need to.

[brsexton]

Originally posted by AznGA
I think Wagner makes good pads and rotors to replace the stock parts. I am on my 3rd set of Wagner pads and they are good without any brake dust.

Are you getting the ThermoQuiet pads each time?? Also if so, do they come with the anti-rattle clips that some pads come with? How is the rotor warp issue with these? Thanks...

[J Wikoff]

That's the ones I got. They do have the shims. At first, there was a little swishy sound that has since gone away.