How to Replace the Rear Brake Pads on a 2003 Cadillac CTS

When maintained properly, disk brakes are capable of bringing a vehicle to a rapid halt. Over time, those brakes wear down and stopping capability diminishes. To restore performance, the pads must be replaced with fresh ones. Since the front and rear brakes will wear at different rates, it may be necessary at one point to replace only the Cadillac's rear brake pads.

• 1

  Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheel while the car is still on the ground. Do not loosen them more than 1/4 turn. This will make them easier to remove once the Cadillac has been jacked up. Place the vehicle in park and pull the emergency brake handle.

• 2

  Jack up the back of the vehicle using either the jack included with the spare tire, or a floor jack. Once the tires are off the ground, place jack stands under each side of the rear axle. Lower the car until the weight is held entirely on the stands and remove the jack.

• 3

  Remove the lug nuts on the rear wheels and slide the wheel off the hub. Locate the caliper, which houses the brake pads, and remove the bolts holding them in place. Set the caliper on a box or some other structure to avoid stressing the brake line by letting the caliper dangle freely.

• 4

  Find the brake pads, located on either side of the slot in the caliper, and remove them by pulling them toward the center of the slot. Replace the pads with new ones by reversing the same process.

• 5

  Replace the caliper and tighten the bolts connecting them to the car. Repeat these steps on the other rear wheel.

• 6

  Put the wheel back on the studs and replace the lug nuts. Gently lower the car to the ground with the jack. Tighten the lug nuts again after a few miles to ensure they stay in place.