GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

GM replacement brake lining material (or equivalent) is recommended for all GM vehicles in order to maintain the balance between front and rear brake performance. GM replacement brake parts have been carefully selected in order to provide the proper brake balance for the purposes of both stopping distance and control over the full range of operating conditions. Installation of the front or rear brake lining material that performs differently than that of the GM replacement parts recommended for this vehicle may change the intended brake balance of this vehicle.


    Object Number: 177027  Size: SH
  1. Remove 2/3 of the brake fluid from the master cylinder.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Mark (index) the relationship of the wheel to the hub.
  4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  5. Install 2 wheel nuts in order to retain the rotor.

  6. In order to push the piston into the caliper bore and provide clearance between the pads and the rotor, complete the following steps:
  7. 5.1. Install a large C-clamp (2) over the top of the caliper housing (1) and against the back of the outboard pad.
    5.2. Slowly tighten the C-clamp (2) until the piston pushes into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper (1) off the rotor.

    Object Number: 176014  Size: SH
  8. Remove the caliper bolts (2).

  9. Object Number: 176016  Size: SH
  10. Remove the caliper (2) from the rotor and caliper bracket. Suspend the caliper from the strut using a wire hook (1).

  11. Object Number: 176021  Size: SH
  12. Remove the pads (2, 3) from the caliper bracket (5).
  13. Remove the 2 retainers (1) from the caliper bracket (5).

  14. Object Number: 176011  Size: SH
  15. Inspect the following parts for cuts, tears, or deterioration. Replace any damaged parts:
  16. • The bolt boots (1)
    • The piston boot (7)
  17. Inspect the caliper bolts for corrosion or damage. Use new parts, including bushings, when installing the caliper if any corrosion is found. Do not attempt to polish away corrosion.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 482002  Size: SH

    Important: Before installing new brake pads, wipe the outside surface of the caliper boot clean. Use denatured alcohol.

  1. Bottom the piston into the caliper bore. If installing new brake pads, use a C-clamp (2) in order to clamp the piston at the same time. Use a metal plate or wooden block across the face of the piston. Do not damage the piston or the caliper boot.

  2. Object Number: 177028  Size: SH

    Important: Lift the inner-edge caliper boot next to the piston. Press out any trapped air. The boot must lay flat below the level of the piston face.

  3. Install the 2 retainers to the caliper bracket.

  4. Object Number: 177032  Size: SH

    Important: When installing brake pads, the pad with the wear indicator must be installed in the inboard position (against the piston) in the brake caliper. When properly installed, the wear indicator will point upward with the caliper installed on the car. If the pad with the wear indicator is installed in the outboard position in the caliper, interference between the spare wheel and the brake caliper may occur if the spare is installed, and premature front brake lining wear may result.

  5. Install the pads (5) to the caliper bracket (3).
  6. Notice: Use care to avoid damaging pin boot when rotating caliper.

  7. Install the caliper (2) to the bracket (3).
  8. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  9. Install the caliper bolts (1).
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the caliper bolts to 31 N·m (23 lb ft).

  11. Remove the wheel nuts securing the rotor to the hub.
  12. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  13. Align the index marks on the wheel and the hub.

  14. Lower the vehicle.
  15. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  16. Apply approximately 778 N (175 lb) of force to the brake pedal 3 times in order to seat the pads.
  17. Burnish the pads and the rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .