The fifth-generation Buick Regal on the surface might seem like an easy car to work on when the pads need replaced, but if you assume that this is just another Buick, you could quickly find yourself in trouble.
The Regal has standard brake features that were once only found on high-end imports. This makes the Buick a game changer in the brake job world.
Parts
There are two brake packages for the Regal. Base models have a single-piston caliper in the front. High-performance models (GS) use the J64 brake package that uses a twin-piston caliper in the front and a different pad. The ABS/ESC system also has a different calibration.
For the GS model, Buick introduced the HiPer strut to correct this problem with the geometry that causes torque steer. The HiPer strut changes the SIA, or “king-pin angle,” so the angle to the tire’s centerline is less. They do this by placing two ball joints on the end of the strut.
Torque Angles
In order to reinstall the caliper bracket you have to have a torque angle gauge and two new caliper bracket bolts. The bolts are Torque-to-Yield (TTY) fasteners that stretch. TTY fasteners are mounting fasteners which are torqued beyond the state of elasticity and therefore undergo plastic transformation, causing them to become permanently elongated.
The wheel bearing hub units also use TTY bolts to hold the unit to the knuckle. If you do not use the correct procedure or reuse the old bolts, the fasteners could fail.
For the front caliper bracket bolts, you need to tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb ft) and turn the bolt 45 degrees and then another 15 degrees. Rear caliper should be tightened to 100 Nm (74 lb ft) and turn the bolt 60 degrees.
ABS/ESC/TCS
The Regal is equipped with a TRW EBC450 brake system. The electronic brake control module (EBCM) and the brake pressure modulator valve assembly are serviced separately. The brake pressure modulator valve assembly uses a four-circuit configuration to control hydraulic pressure to each wheel independently.
The system uses four active wheel speed sensors. The tone wheel for these sensors is mounted on the inside seal of the wheel bearing unit.
The system performs:
• Anti-lock brake system (ABS);
• Traction control;
• Stability control;
• Dynamic rear proportioning;
• Hill start assist;
• Cornering brake control;
• Hydraulic brake assist; and
• Trailer stability assist.
The dynamic rear proportioning is a control system that replaces the mechanical proportioning valve. Under certain driving conditions, the EBCM will reduce the rear-wheel brake pressure by commanding the appropriate solenoid valves ON and OFF. The system will change the proportioning as the vehicle slows. This is done to control the attitude of the vehicle and makes for a smoother stop.
The hill start assist allows the driver to launch the vehicle without a roll back while he is moving his foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. The EBCM calculates the brake pressure, which is needed to hold the vehicle on an incline and locks that pressure for a certain time by commanding the appropriate solenoid valves ON and OFF when the brake pedal is released. Hill start assist is activated when the EBCM determines that the driver wishes to move the vehicle up hill, either backwards or forwards.
Many Regals are equipped with a manual transmission and the hill start feature is active more than some drivers would like. For some traditional stick drivers, it may feel awkward. Simply pulling the vehicle onto a lift may cause the system to activate.
The Regal comes standard with brake assist that is designed to support the driver in emergency braking situations. The EBCM receives inputs from the brake pressure sensor. When the EBCM senses an emergency braking situation, the EBCM will actively increase the brake pressure to a specific maximum.
Electronic Parking Brake Control Module Description
The Regal has an electric parking brake switch in the center console, which takes the place of the manual parking brake system, the foot pedal and release handle. In case of insufficient electrical power, the electric parking brake cannot be applied or released. The system also adjusts the rear parking brake.
The parking brake control module has an internal motor, apply actuator, release actuator and temperature sensor. The parking brake control module also contains the logic for applying and releasing the parking brake when commanded by the park brake control switch. When the parking brake control module receives a signal from the switch, the internal circuit board temperature is checked to verify it is within operating range before the control module performs the requested operation.
The electric parking brake can be applied any time the vehicle is stopped or in motion. The electric parking brake is applied by momentarily lifting up on the park brake control switch. The red park brake light will momentarily flash while the parking brake is being applied. Once fully applied, the red park brake light will turn on. If the electric parking brake is applied while the vehicle is in motion, a chime will sound, and the message “Release Park Brake Switch” will be displayed.
If the red park brake light is flashing, the electric parking brake is only partially applied or released, or there is a problem with the electric parking brake. The message “Service Park Brake” will be displayed.
To release the electric parking brake, turn the ignition switch to the ON or RUN position, apply and hold the brake pedal, and push down momentarily on the park brake control switch. When the electric parking brake is released, the red park brake light turns off.
The electric parking brake can be used to prevent roll back for vehicles with a manual transmission taking off on a hill. In a situation where no roll back is desired, an applied electric parking brake will allow both feet to be used for the clutch and accelerator pedals in preparation for starting the vehicle moving in the intended direction. In this situation, perform the normal clutch and accelerator actions required to begin moving the vehicle.
If the electronic parking brake control module is replaced or if there is a concern with either low pedal, noise or the brake is not holding, the module can be calibrated with or with out a scan tool.
Calibration without Scan Tool
1. Ignition ON, apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Push and hold the electric parking brake switch down for 5-6 seconds.
3. Release the electric parking brake switch.
4. Momentarily push the electric parking brake switch down.
5. Remove the EPB MODULE fuse and reinstall.
6. Apply the electric parking brake.
7. Release the electric parking brake.
