GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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

Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Caution in the Preface section.

Removal Procedure

  1. Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder auxiliary 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 and firmly hand tighten 2 wheel nuts to opposite wheel studs in order to retain the rotor to the hub.

  7. Object Number: 808143  Size: SH
  8. Install a large C-clamp, over the body of the brake caliper with the C-clamp ends against the rear of the caliper body and against the outer brake pad.
  9. 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.

  10. Tighten the C-clamp just enough to compress the caliper piston 1 mm (0.039 in) of travel only.
  11. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

  12. Object Number: 1385046  Size: SH
  13. While using a wrench on the flats of the caliper guide pins (1), remove the brake caliper guide pin bolts (2).
  14. 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.

  15. Without disconnecting the hydraulic brake flexible hose, remove the caliper from the mounting bracket and secure the caliper with heavy mechanics wire, or equivalent.

  16. Object Number: 1385048  Size: SH
  17. Remove the brake pads from the caliper mounting bracket.
  18. Remove the brake pad retainers (1) from the caliper bracket.
  19. Thoroughly clean the brake pad hardware mating surfaces of the caliper bracket (2), of any debris and corrosion.
  20. Inspect the brake caliper guide pins for freedom of movement, and inspect the condition of the guide pin boots. Move the guide pins inboard and outboard within the bracket bores, without disengaging the slides from the boots, and observe for the following:
  21. • Restricted caliper guide pin movement
    • Looseness in the brake caliper mounting bracket
    • Seized or binding caliper guide pins
    • Split or torn boots
  22. If any of the conditions listed are found, the brake caliper guide pins and/or boots require replacement.

  23. Object Number: 1365685  Size: SH
  24. Using a spanner wrench type caliper piston installer, fully retract the piston into the caliper bore.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1385048  Size: SH
  1. Apply a very thin coating of high temperature silicone brake lubricant to the pad hardware mating surfaces of the caliper bracket (2) only.
  2. Install the brake pad retainers (1) to the brake caliper bracket.
  3. Important: The wear sensor equipped disc brake pad must be mounted inboard of the rotor with the leading edge of the sensor facing the brake rotor during forward wheel rotation, or at the bottom of the pad when installed in vehicle position.

  4. Install the brake pads to the caliper bracket.
  5. Remove the support, and install the caliper into position over the disc brake pads and to the caliper mounting bracket.
  6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1385046  Size: SH
  7. While using a wrench on the flats of the caliper guide pins (1), install the brake caliper guide pin bolts (2).
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 34 N·m (25 lb ft).

  9. Remove the wheel nuts retaining the brake rotor to the hub.
  10. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  11. Lower the vehicle.
  12. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.
  13. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  14. Wait 15 seconds, then gradually apply the brake pedal approximately 2/3 of its travel distance again until a firm brake pedal apply is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  15. Fill the master cylinder auxiliary reservoir to the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling .
  16. Burnish the pads and rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .