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For 1990-2009 cars only

Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement JE5, JL9

Removal Procedure

Warning: Refer to Brake Dust Warning in the Preface section.

  1. Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
  2. If the brake fluid level is midway between the maximum full point and the minimum allowable level, no brake fluid needs to be removed from the reservoir before proceeding.
  3. If the brake fluid level is higher than midway between the maximum full point and the minimum allowable level, remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
  4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  6. Install a C-clamp against the outer brake pad and the rear of the brake caliper body.
  7. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the brake caliper pistons are compressed into the brake caliper bores.

  8. Object Number: 1969851  Size: SH
  9. Using a backup wrench on the brake caliper guide pin, remove the brake caliper guide pin bolts (1).

  10. Object Number: 1969852  Size: SH
  11. Remove the brake caliper and support with heavy mechanics wire or equivalent.
  12. Remove the outer brake pad (1).
  13. Remove the inner brake pad (2).
  14. Remove the brake pad springs.

Installation Procedure

  1. Inspect the brake caliper guide pins, seals and brake pad springs for damage and/or corrosion. Refer to Front Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection.
  2. Install the brake pad springs.

  3. Object Number: 1969852  Size: SH
  4. Install the outer brake pad (1).
  5. Install the inner brake pad (2).
  6. Note: If reusing the brake caliper guide pin bolts, the threads of the brake caliper guide pin bolts and the threads of the guide pins must be free of residue and debris prior to application of threadlocker in order to ensure proper adhesion and fastener retention.

  7. If reusing the caliper pin bolts, prepare the bolt and the guide pins for assembly:
  8. • Thoroughly clean the residue from the guide pin bolt threads by using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
    • Thoroughly clean the residue from the guide pin threads by using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
  9. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488), or equivalent to 2/3 of the threaded length of the brake caliper guide pin bolts. Ensure there are no gaps in the threadlocker along the length of the filled area of the bolt.
  10. Allow the threadlocker to cure approximately 10 minutes before installation.

  11. Object Number: 1969851  Size: SH
  12. Install the brake caliper to the caliper bracket.
  13. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  14. Using a backup wrench on the brake caliper guide pin, install the brake caliper guide pin bolts (1) and tighten to  32 N·m (24 lb ft).
  15. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  16. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately  2/3 of its travel distance.
  17. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  18. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 11 and 12 until a firm brake pedal apply is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  19. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling.
  20. Burnish the pads and rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing.

Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement J56

Removal Procedure

    Warning: Refer to Brake Dust Warning in the Preface section.

  1. Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
  2. If the brake fluid level is midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, no brake fluid needs to be removed from the reservoir before proceeding.
  3. If the brake fluid level is higher than midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
  4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

  6. Object Number: 1349657  Size: SH
  7. Holding the lower end of the retainer (1) down and using a hammer and punch carefully tap the lower caliper guide pin (2) inward out of the caliper.
  8. Carefully rotate the brake pad retainer upward.
  9. Remove the brake pad retainer.

  10. Object Number: 1349658  Size: SH
  11. Using a hammer and punch tap the upper caliper to brake pad mounting pin (2) inward out of the caliper.
  12. Note: Use ONLY a plastic flat-bladed trim tool and/or another suitable soft tool when compressing the caliper pistons into the caliper piston bores. Never use any type of metal tool between the brake rotor and brake pads to compress the caliper pistons into the bores.

  13. Carefully insert a plastic flat-bladed trim tool between the rotor and inboard brake pad.
  14. Carefully apply pressure to the inboard brake pad until both caliper inner pistons are fully compressed into the caliper piston bores.
  15. Carefully insert a plastic flat-bladed trim tool between the rotor and outboard brake pad.
  16. Carefully apply pressure to the outboard brake pad until both caliper outer pistons are fully compressed into the bores.
  17. Remove the brake pads (1) from the caliper.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1349658  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the brake caliper guide pins. If damaged, or corroded replace the guide pin. Do not attempt to clean away any corrosion.
  2. Inspect the brake caliper piston boot for damage and/or deterioration, replace if damaged or deteriorated. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul.
  3. Install the brake pads (1) to the caliper.
  4. Install the upper caliper guide pin (2) through the caliper, inner and outer brake pads.
  5. Using a hammer and punch seat the upper guide pin to the outer caliper half. Ensure the caliper guide pin is seated into the outer caliper pin seat.

  6. Object Number: 1349657  Size: SH
  7. Install the brake pad retainer (1) under the upper caliper pin assembly.
  8. Rotate brake pad retainer down.
  9. Carefully apply pressure downward on the lower end of the brake pad retainer.
  10. Carefully install the lower caliper guide pin (2) through the caliper, inner and outer brake pads.
  11. Using a hammer and punch seat the lower guide pin to the outer caliper half. Ensure that the caliper guide pin is seated into the outer caliper pin seat. Ensure the brake pad retainer is centered retaining both brake pads.
  12. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  13. Lower the vehicle.
  14. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately  2/3 of its travel distance.
  15. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  16. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 12 and 13 until a firm brake pedal apply is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  17. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling.
  18. Burnish the pads and rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing.