GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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

Removal Procedure

  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 the vehicle and suitably support. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  5. Mark the relationship of the wheel to the hub flange.
  6. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  7. Object Number: 701935  Size: SH

    Notice: When using a large C-clamp to compress a caliper piston into a caliper bore of a caliper equipped with an integral park brake mechanism, do not exceed more than 1 mm (0.039 in) of piston travel. Exceeding this amount of piston travel will cause damage to the internal adjusting mechanism and/or the integral park brake mechanism.

  8. Using a large C clamp (1), compress the brake caliper piston into the brake caliper bore to gain enough clearance to allow the brake caliper (2) to pivot off the brake caliper bracket (3). Compress the piston until resistance is felt, but no more than 1 mm (0.039 in) of piston travel.
  9. Remove the C-clamp from the brake caliper.

  10. Object Number: 712787  Size: SH
  11. Carefully pull up on the electronic brake pad wear sensor wire (1) and with a small flat head screw driver remove the electronic brake pad wear sensor from the brake pad.
  12. Remove the electronic brake pad wear sensor from the vehicle.

  13. Object Number: 701969  Size: SH
  14. Remove the bottom brake caliper pin bolt.

  15. Object Number: 105773  Size: SH

    Notice: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the flexible brake hose to bear the weight of the caliper, which may cause damage to the brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.

  16. Pivot the brake caliper body (6) upward and secure out of the way with heavy mechanic's wire. Do NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper.
  17. Remove the inboard (2) and outboard (3) pads from the brake caliper bracket (5).
  18. Remove and inspect the brake pad retainers (1).

Installation Procedure

Important:  The electronic brake pad wear sensors must be replaced every time the brake pads are replaced. New brake pad wear sensors are included with GM replacement brake pad kits.

    • Inspect the brake caliper bolt suspension boots for cuts, tears, or deterioration. If damaged, replace the pin boots. Refer to Rear Disc Brake Hardware Replacement .
    •  Inspect the brake caliper pin bolts for damage or corrosion. Replace if damaged or corroded. Do not attempt to clean away corrosion. Corrosion is typically caused by damaged pin boots. Refer to Rear Disc Brake Hardware Replacement .
    • Inspect the piston boot for deterioration. Replace If damaged. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .

    Object Number: 105774  Size: SH
  1. Retract the brake caliper piston (2) into the brake caliper bore. Use a spanner type wrench and turn the piston clockwise until it bottoms out fully in the brake caliper.
  2. Align the cutouts in the brake caliper piston to the alignment pins on the back of the brake pads.

  3. Object Number: 105773  Size: SH
  4. Install the brake pad retainers (1) into the brake caliper bracket (5).
  5. Install the inboard (2) and outboard (3) brake pads into the brake caliper bracket. Route the wear sensor wire through the brake caliper and support properly to be sure the wire will lay in its proper location when the brake caliper is installed.
  6. Pivot the brake caliper (6) down over the brake pads (3, 2) and into the brake caliper bracket (5).
  7. Insert the brake pad wear sensor into the inboard brake pad. Be sure that the brake wear sensor (4) wiring is properly routed and clipped in its original location.

  8. Object Number: 701969  Size: SH

    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. Insert the lower brake caliper pin bolt.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the brake caliper pin bolt to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

  11. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  12. Lower the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  13. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.
  14. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  15. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 10-11 until a firm brake pedal apply is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  16. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  17. Burnish the pads and rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .