Cadillac ATS: Front Brakes

In this video I bring you through the process I used to swap out some brake on the front of a Cadillac ATS. This car needs some other work along the way so stay tuned!
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South Main Auto Repair
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Astro Pneumatics on Amazon: amzn.to/2VcY8rv OEMTOOLS 24518 Brake Caliper Hanger Set: amzn.to/3er2DX3 Permatex 24125 Ceramic Extreme Brake Parts Lubricant: amzn.to/2xAHUQ1 3M CX-DR Brake Hub Cleaning Disc Holder 07545:amzn.to/3csVzYm 3M Automotive (3M 07546) 3M Scotch-Brite Roloc Brake Hub Cleaning Disc - 10 Pack: amzn.to/3esQMYq Fluid Film: amzn.to/2KccJ06 Lisle 24300 Speedy Brake Pad Spreader: amzn.to/3afI0tF Mueller-Kueps 460 200 Brake Caliper File:amzn.to/2ViEXNb amzn.to/2Vf7hjr

[@det6912]

South Main Auto Repair LLC Eric, I need the link for that stud cleaning gizmo please 😁

[@Rithius3485]

I hope you aren't getting salting because of all the comments =(

[@Blazer02LS]

It is the 2 3M items on his list.

[@rustyshakleford5230]

Must show 10 minute time lapse of loctite drying for proper believability.

[@HouseCallAutoRepair]

I've already got the file... Thanks to you... ;) (And I love it!)

[@davidowen6103]

This video commentary is proof that he reads the comments.

[@bodegaconnoisseur2548]

Thanks for killing 19mins of my quarantine Eric. Much appreciated.

[@carlosnavarro921]

the brake kleen intro never gets old lol

[@timothybarney7257]

@David Lewis Steve1989 (MRE reviewer) has quite a few too...."Let's get this out on a tray.....NICE!" is one of the faves.

[@maingun07]

I think I've watched Eric say, "If I can do it, you can do it" so many times through the years now that I feel like I've already done it. (looks outside...) Nope. Still gotta do it. Darn it.

[@Coolness59]

“Is that you, ‘Rona!” 😂 That made Tina laugh out loud!! 😂

[@djosbun]

I like how you matched your gloves to the brake caliper hook. Stylish!!

[@williamcarboni2614]

Your viewers can be brutal, but there not there.You don't have to justify anything to me, I'm glad you willing to share your experiences and talent with people who want to learn. Thanks and stay safe.

[@MySparkle888]

I needed a good old fashioned SMA brake job!

[@teacfan1080]

Complete with all the sound effects we expect!

[@hairylarry6167]

You made a very good point in this video. Crappy tools can strip heads, and create headaches. I have a great collection of crappy tools. But when I need a new one, I get a dang good new tool.

[@michaelmerta8956]

I'm always happy for entertainment especially now and you are one of the canals on You Tube I watching, super funny and creative. By the way I'm,70 years young and still working on my project 1977 BMW 630CSI.

[@hairylarry6167]

Thank you so much for making this Video. My son has a 2017 Caddy ATS. Everywhere we'd go, the shop wanted to RAPE us on parts and labor. One place wanted to charge us $125 just to inspect it! I've worked in a body shop for years. I am 67 retired. All I needed to see was your video. Merry Christmas and God Bless ya South Main guy. AND just by luck I've got a 21MM wrench.

[@MrGardman]

I just realized why you and your channel are so popular. You are relatable to the people watching. You talk to your camera like you are talking to a friend sitting there.

[@nathanceschi5100]

It makes me happy to see someone else using thread lock on caliper bracket bolts. I get so irritated when I pull those out and they're slathered with god damn anti seize or grease. They come with thread locker from the factory for a reason. -Total Car Care

[@rontiemens2553]

It bears repeating: I have watched all your brake videos and I have learned something from every single one. I've also RE-learned plenty. Its all good.

[@springfield4522]

Careful with all the rust dust blowing around while cleaning those hubs. I heard some guy got some on his hat and it blew into his eye while driving. :)

[@djosbun]

When you engage safety squints that usually decreases the chance of eye debris.

[@throttlebottle5906]

eyes, ears, nose, mouth, not many places it wont make it's way into. trust me lol

[@gittalittle3834]

Good one, springfield45. Sometimes even the viewers crack me up! Hope the eye is better, Dr O.

[@walterjoncas12]

If we must reuse the stainless steel brake caliper retainer (anti rattle) hardware, we run them through the glass bead blaster. They come out looking new, with no sign of crusties or tarnish. We also run the mounting bracket through the baster at the same time. We just clean the mounting surfaces as you do most of the time. You are a pro at what you do. Using the brake service file was for the benefit of the DIY guy with limited tools. Great Job! .....Walt Central NY

[@pyralux01]

Bench grinder: "Tool used to hurl light objects across the room"....

[@imafarmboy2]

I believe that is referred to as "low earth orbit"

[@throttlebottle5906]

and mangle your fingers/hand/arm when it grabs a glove or shirt sleeve...... almost did that once and wound myself up in a drill mounted one many times, including a pant leg, more than not it was an accidental trigger bump, now I make sure the switch is in the no-go center position, and the cordless one stop almost instant with braking function, unlike the dinosaur corded drills.

[@thesteveprichard]

"Stone wheel that eventually breaks and almost takes your finger with it!"

[@ThisIsReMarkable]

Lol Thank you. This made me legitimately laugh out loud

[@tomnekuda3818]

Everytime I watch you videos I realize that, despite having a garage-full of tools, I need some more.

[@cmr2079]

Those files are nice, but I just looked on Amazon and they're $30. I don't need one that bad.

[@flipmode00]

it could be worst buying lots of tool when you can and not even having a garage to put them lol "me"

[@assessor1276]

Good one Eric. As far as I’m concerned, I watch your videos because I like how you work and I always learn something. If somebody doesn’t like how you work, then they are most welcome to not watch any longer. As for calling the shop - get real guys and leave the man alone to earn a living and have fun with his family.

[@stevewesley8187]

Isn't it great to have so many experts looking over your shoulder ?

[@KindCreature1]

Your lime green gloves are comforting to look at. Talk shows have a green room for the guests to relax in before they come out on the stage. Always enjoy your work, Sir. Thank you.

[@santoscardona1]

You made me laugh so much with the baby sheep sound and spray...Thanks..

[@joelevi1561]

I finally figured out why I enjoy these videos so much. I've been a mechanic for 47 years, but watching you reminds me of how much fun it was before the arthritis and the expanding waist got in the way! Thanks for what you do. It makes the rest of us look good!!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Right on

[@JMassengill]

starting the day with SMA. My wife and I have watched you do so many brake jobs, she thinks she could do a brake job without help.....Thanks Eric, you are doing great work!

[@Shiver2002]

I've been watching your videos while working from home (literally have the playlist going from video to video, 8 hours a day 5 days a week for the past 2 weeks or so) and its been great entertainment, and has even pushed me to get my project car running. I've accomplished more in the last 2 weeks than i have the last 1.5 years of me owning it. Your videos are inspiring, and have really amped me up. I have even learned a thing or two with troubleshooting and soldering! Thank you for the entertainment, and teaching moments. Keep up the good work!

[@BIGTONY2132001]

I installed Powerstop Carbon Fiber Ceramic brake pads on my wifes 2015 ATS w/Brembo calipers and holy sh$$ does this car stop!! Im on my 40th year in the automotive repair field and have had some good laughs and and picked up some great pointers here watching SMAR!! Thanks for another great video!

[@elcheapo5302]

It sucks that people keep bothering you, Eric. Maybe you can have a little fun with them and make a compilation video of all the most "interesting" messages left for you?

[@brianpeters4486]

You are hilarious. I love you calling out the trolls. You do you and we'll keep watching!

[@ThomasPetz]

Yeah!!!! Brake Clean. Thanks for the return to normalcy. Stay safe!

[@lexteakmialoki5544]

So I finally figured out why these brake job videos are so popular. You have taught us how to do them correctly, so many times, we are now somewhat proficient. That gives us the opportunity to just sit back, ignore the technical stuff and enjoy the commentary, which borders on profound if I have a say so myself.

[@blockbertus]

You are 100% correct with your Loctite assumption. It MAY be less viscos after 10 mins but not near "hard" or anything like that. It will start to harden when the bolt is installed.

[@emcque]

I was sitting in my home, huddled in a corner hiding from all people to avoid social interactions. Then I got an alert that a new SMA video was posted. Then I realized it was an SMA Brake Job. The scales dropped from my eyes, I breathed easier, birds began to sing. THEN, the "good stuff" came out and I knew it was going to be a brighter day in the quarantine. Thanks Dr. O for providing the medication to cure what ails us.

[@focusfrenzy9759]

reusing hardware!! whats next? endorsements for Dorman?? ROFLAO!!

[@phprofYT]

Actually, saw a video by MotorCity Mechanic last week. He installed a cross over pipe (between the left right side) of a Chrysler 3.6L v6 engine. The factory pipe is plastic and the Dorman is machined aluminum with a recessed replaceable o-ring. It fit perfect and looked awesome. Frack'n Dorman. Who knew they could actually get something better than factory.

[@throttlebottle5906]

@@phprofYT it's probably paper thin and will stress crack or corrode through in 3 months.. LOL

[@neilmurphy845]

@@phprofYT ya ha they couldn't even get a thermostat housing Right

[@ALEX-xd7ko]

Yes that cross over pipe by doorman is awesome . Its not paper thin. Infact in my supercharged dale monty the p.o.s plastic crossovers blew out it seemed everytime i matted it. I had to wait for the aluminum ones and guess what i got the first ones

[@kevinoscarson2941]

Dorman vs Chrysler- Takes a crappy part to fix a crappy car. Makes perfect sense.

[@IBenZik]

Dragging your file backwards makes it a self-cleaning file. Making those street names up, we all know its real name is Eric's hotrod alley. :-) Can hardly wait for the radiator etc. videos. Thanks again.

[@wingzero7084]

I stumbled on your videos I don't even remember when, and I have to say I respect the hell out of you for being an honest mechanic. I've watched so many of your videos on vehicles I have never and will never own long before even seeing these videos. I've dealt with my fair share of hacks and scumbag scammers, and you are by far not anywhere near any of them. You deserve a hell of a lot more subs than what you have. Keep up the great work, Sir!

[@ahnbra]

That is why First responder agencies usually have SOPS (Standard Operating Procedures and Practices). This tells the employees how they should try to do things as often as possible and when possible. I know from helping and watching my dad as a kid that in Automechanics and Autobody Repair some times you have to do things that you usually would not do. In my opinion that is how life over all is.

[@tommyj19751]

I did my front brakes on my 03 blazer today. On both calipers the boots puckered up when I pushed the pistons back in. I remembered the pick trick you taught us in an earlier video to get the air out and get the boot back where it belongs. Thanks Eric O.

[@mikeberry304]

Nice to see someone at work doing our job Eric , not touched a spanner for a month , all pretty quiet here in the UK , nice to see a black and decker tool , not seen any since I was a kid at my grandads

[@matthewmcaleer5418]

I’m doing the rotors and breaks this weekend. Thank you so much for the video!

[@rand49er]

It's always a struggle to decide which of the specialized tools and lubes to go out and purchase when I do a brake job at home because I do them so infrequently. Like the deep set wire brush you use to remove rust around the lugs before mounting the new rotor and those nifty scrapers that look like files to remove rust before installing the hardware. I mean, I'd love to own those things but I just know they'd migrate to places in the far reaches of my tool box where I only rarely go and they'd be forgotten before the next time I need to install brakes. Excuse me while I go look for a coat hanger to use to fashion one of those caliper hooks. That's one thing I won't need to buy. Love your videos, Eric. Thanks!

[@ernestrobinson1371]

love this stuff. i work on forklifts. and still watch you...

[@jeremyanthony9300]

Love your channel man. Please stay safe as we all go through this nasty pandemic together.

[@juliokaz2159]

A Brake Video?! Mr. O does love us!

[@wesspyglass9440]

Somebody is stealing tires in the back ground , very smooth.. hide the brake cleaner..

[@Mtechthewise]

I really appreciate these videos, yes they cover topics that most regular viewers could do in their sleep, but I've got brake parts sitting in my home workshop waiting for warmer weather to return, this SMA fix helps tide me over.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Glad to help!

[@chrissapp9507]

Being from Florida, it’s crazy seeing so much rust in a relatively new car. My 06 infinity is practically rust free. Note to self, stay in the south lol.

[@w2dmw]

Holy Cow ! look at the thickness of those brake pads !!!!!

[@jasonp9284]

As a machinist and former mechanic I can say with some certainty that the only kind of people who say “that’s not how you use a file bra” are the same geniuses who feel it necessary to tell someone that it’s not a good idea to run your vehicle out of gas. We get it, to all the file police out there, everyone knows a file cuts in one direction. Like a hacksaw it is not realistic to lift off the part on every backstroke. Unless you work for the county, city or some other government job where time is of no importance. Maybe we working stiffs should stop every time there’s road construction and tell the 8 out of 9 workers that a shovel is not for leaning on. They’re meant for digging. Eric O is the boss, you don’t question the boss. You are a gentleman and a scholar sir, keep up the stellar work.

[@777warhero]

Clifford the big red vice. Perfect name

[@jeffw2218]

I never thought to call your shop when I am day drinking. Now I know what to do Monday morning. Expect a call around 10AM. I should be about 6 beers deep by then.

[@pfsantos007]

Very nice. I like the fact you checked the sliders.

[@casperthesavage22]

THE UGGA DUGGA GUN AT 14:28 AND THEN THE #2 SETTING, NICE

[@metlmuncher]

Look here mang... I'm a machinist and use a file any which way it needs to be done.. Lol. Been known to sharpen the end like a chisel.. Great work man. You make me laugh and learn every night

[@adamjones2025]

Oh another break job just what i needed.

[@jumpinjojo]

Adam Jones Brake*

[@george420]

I got one of those Mueller files. Frickin fantastic they are. Soooo happy they make these. Every guy who does brake jobs, need one or 2

[@Sicktrickintuner]

George I use an air angle grinder, with a 1/2” wide flap wheel that is 3” wide. Works very well for less then$1 a piece

[@george420]

@@Sicktrickintuner sounds like it would work well. Unfortunately I dont have a pneumatic angle grinder or a air compressor capable to run a decent angle grinder.

[@joehall1114]

Not gonna lie, I yelled yeah & made a bah along with the fluid film sound effect. Love it.

[@tiredagain6722]

What a great way to forget all this social distancing by watching an SMA brake vid!

[@hilarioperez5131]

hey Eric its always a good time watching you work.!

[@rdsledge]

Having owned a motor cycle and a European car that recommend changing the brake fluid, I now do that on all my cars. Can’t Hurt and may help what with ABC ect. The poor cars in the snow belt all that rust! I have an ATS and I really enjoy it. It handles great and the 2.5 L is peppy smooth. That’s my $0.02!

[@2dogstrucking107]

I Love the sheep sound effect for the Fluid Film! Thanks Mr O! I chuckled for a few mins from that.

[@tomsmith29]

can't wait to see how hard it is to get the radiator out but no problem for you Eric ! love your channel .

[@automedic9781]

Tom Smith They’re actually decently easy on these

[@randyhughes5160]

Man you say everything just like it is keep it up I would say 90% of every body agrees with you

[@marshalldavis4455]

There are people that just want to bitch. Don't listen to them. You do a fantastic job. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@johnkroll4177]

Ugg’s Dugga gun. Love it

[@Mark-vc7rm]

Ahhhh! Another brake job. Thanks I needed that.

[@stevenfuchs2548]

The square root of the back preasure drag muliplied by the gravity factor times pie (apple of course) will equel the angle of the dangle! So there it is!

[@kevineich5029]

They used to make those caliper brackets out of an alloy that was corrosion resistant - my older Cadillac Devilles have never corroded like these newer cars and trucks do and they use the same type of setup. Most of the time, these newer cars only need a brake job because the caliper mounting brackets corrode and jam the inner pad which destroys the rotor.

[@bertgrau9246]

The look of new brake pads and rotors is really cool. I put some slotted and cross drilled rotors on my wife's Lincoln Town Car. They look great and actually do help braking by at least 15% Bought the set for the front tax and freight was $165 I think they are well worth it.

[@TheImprobableIronman]

Seriously, I can watch as many SMA brake job videos as you can put out Eric. Thanks for keeping up with the great content.

[@Tedybear315]

2 things: Nice to hear the Sheep with the Fluid Film! (Nice touch) 2nd: I did call once about a year++++ ago when my parents Explorer needed exhaust manifolds. Got to talk with the "Man" himself. Super professional and polite. I highly recommended my parents drive from the Syracuse area down to Avoca (We used to live in Bath, NY for YEARS!!!) However they decided to trade it in. FWIW: Local repair shops wanted a lot more $$$ for this same job. Eric was very fair and knowledgeable. But the last thing I would hope to do? Is to bother him with mindless dribble about his tools.

[@tinkerwest]

I was going to comment that brake pad instructions say not to lube caliper and brake contact points when pads are shimmed but knowing some people are giving you hard time with things, I won't mention it. 😁

[@fascistpedant758]

That's the opposite of what I've read from several manufacturers.

[@tinkerwest]

@@fascistpedant758 I suggest re-read instructions...I've been wrenching over 20 years and the times I've looked ( because we're men, we never look at instructions right, lol) its ALWAYS said not to lube pad shims. Perhaps your confusing that with lubing brake pad anti-rattle clips/ brake pad top and bottom ears contact points where pads slide along calipers. Happy wrenching!

[@richlagger507]

Love your videos, Eric, I love that show that the job can be done with varying tool brands, etc.

[@zacariahbingham8021]

can’t get enough of these brake vids!!

[@SimpleElectronics]

I work at a Hondoo dealership and we never replace the hardware, just clean them up, lube them up and reinstall - they are stainless as well. When the customer insists on aftermarkoni pads, I give them back the hardware that was in the box.

[@TheOutwiththeold]

After market hardware is a nightmare. .

[@SimpleElectronics]

@@TheOutwiththeold truer words have never been spoken...

[@ucscmike]

Simple Electronics agreed. Fitment is iffy and we’ve all experienced post brake job test drives where the aftermarket hardware decides to start touching the rotor.

[@danielsherman8565]

Thank you, Mr. O., for the Vid. never miss a video. it makes my day when I can not think about being locked down.

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

At least it's good to see that this Cadillac's brakes are straightforward to replace. No wonky tri-square fasteners or electrical wear sensors or a need to reprogram something afterwards like other "luxury" cars seem to have.

[@mikeaho4143]

Thanks foir the vid Eric. I did buy one of the files you showed and they are AWESOME ! Very agressive.

[@shanesells5742]

He is super quick with the file.

[@WCSPete1]

Nice relaxing video Mr O. Thanks again mate.

[@TheStumpyFingers]

What I like about metric bolts is that the head is usually 4mm larger than the bolts, 6mm bolt 10mm socket 8mm bolt 12mm socket.

[@bertgrau9246]

Simon, I never thought of that. That is interesting, as a kid I found most American bolts were 2 sizes bigger, 3/8 bolt and 1/2 inch wrench. As they get bigger I think it gets farther apart.

[@billr6983]

Maybe I watch too many of these SMA videos. Yesterday I was fixing up my daughter's mountain bike, and in my head the whole time I was talking through everything I was doing in a gravely voice. Picked up a can of WD-40 to use here then there and thought, "We'll use a little of this: *DRAMATIC MUSICAL SOUND BURST* "from NAPA....not a sponsor..." Crazy I know. But makes the job a lot more fun. lol

[@princeedwardislandviking4866]

Love your work Eric and your talking to the viewers keep the videos coming PLEASE

[@jaredstrehlein5605]

That is one respectful brake job.

[@dr.decalin5565]

That file you used to clean up the brake bracket looked like one my dad used in his panel beating work. He was a sheet metal journeyman, gone now and I miss him.

[@jayunderwood3215]

Thanks for another awesome repair video keep up the excellent work and work on keeping the little lady happy ( Mrs. O ).

[@brianbrundage1598]

Like I said I find your videos very interesting and informative. You mentioned bogus phone call and comments. No one is being forced to watch and perhaps there may be a channel more interesting to them instead of ruining it for us

[@aciddiver1978]

So nice to watch these videos👍

[@willc3717]

I’m a machinist. I say if I’m not buying your files use them how you see fit.

[@i-will-get-you-there]

That crank caller needs to be locked up in something forever! For me, I say what tools you use is helpful to know if I'm honest but hardly matter if you know how to do you job. As they say, It's not the camera that take a good picture, It's the dummy behind it is genius! Keep them coming and I appreciate your efforts in putting videos up Mr O. Cheers

[@marcusdoolette1547]

Keep em comin Eric. After watchin all the crazy news today I need the therapy. Ahhh.....a simple brake job and a bit of humour. Now I can relax.Thanks as always.

[@ChuckyBeaver]

Eric, with great popularity comes great patience. You are a KZbinr now. Along with that comes the good and the bad. There’s always gonna be trolls that call you or make silly comments. Don’t let that bother you too much ok!!! Your faithful patrions will always support you, keep up the good videos and we’ll get through these trying times together.

[@j.cooper2246]

23 years as a machinists..hey bro its your file..you do your tools your way.just dont ask to borrow mine..lol..hows me eye doing?..those file's are awful nice..still waiting for mrs o's channel..lets go folks...also you find the tp yet?...damn pandemic and tp is first to be hording. Lol..thanks for the v-jayo

[@bostonboston4754]

Is that you Rona. Lmao. Thanks for the video.

[@philjungels7617]

AND, don't forget to like ! Thanks for posting, Eric!

[@FixItPhillip]

Good Job as always Eric, Thanks Again for Subscribing to my auto repair channel and for your inspiration. God Bless brotha. Stay safe with the Corona 👍

[@larrydunn9466]

I really find the videos you put out very helpful. Thank you for the explanations of jobs that you do. I have used a few of you’re techniques it’s always cool to learn a new way to do something

[@pakcheesy2]

Keep up the great, honest work Eric!

[@phillully4472]

Always a pleasure watching your video's Eric. I'm not sure if your are actually intending to teach other folks how to make repairs to their own vehicles, but your video's do that job very well. I know I have learnt a thing or two from watching! Sooo thanks for sharing. Stay safe and well there in upstate New York.

[@Tenfoldy13]

Idea for video.... Fix a vehicle useing the wrong tools and methods...example floor jack with no jack stands and vise grips and adjustable wrenches .... and stop and answer the youtubers calls making a simple job a lot longer.... Love the videos sir!