GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder.
  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 suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  5. Remove the tire and the wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  6. Object Number: 176947  Size: SH
  7. Compress the front caliper piston.
  8. 6.1. Install a large C-clamp (3) over the top of the caliper housing (2) and against the back of the outboard pad.
    6.2. Slowly tighten the C-clamp (3) until the piston pushes into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper off the rotor.
    6.3. Remove the C-clamp (3) from the caliper.
  9. Remove the front brake hose from the front brake caliper.
  10. Remove and discard the 2 copper brake hose gaskets. These gaskets may be stuck to the brake caliper and/or the brake hose end.
  11. Plug the opening in the front brake hose in order to prevent excessive brake fluid loss and contamination.
  12. Do not pinch off the brake hose with any tools.


    Object Number: 156325  Size: SH
  13. Remove the front brake caliper bolts.
  14. Remove the front brake caliper from the front brake rotor.
  15. Remove the front brake caliper from the vehicle.
  16. Remove the brake pads from the rotor.
  17. Inspect the front caliper bolts for corrosion.
  18. Replace any corroded parts.

    Do not attempt to polish away any corrosion.

  19. Inspect the caliper bolt bushings for nicks, cuts, or corrosion. Replace any damaged parts.

Installation Procedure

  1. If reusing the brake caliper pin bolts and retainers, clean the brake caliper pin bolts and retainers using denatured alcohol, or equivalent.
  2. Dry the brake caliper pin bolts using non-lubricated, filtered air
  3. Apply high temperature silicone brake lubricant to the brake caliper pin bolts and retainers. DO NOT apply lubricant to the brake pad hardware.
  4. Install the front brake pads.
  5. Connect the front brake caliper to the brake caliper bracket ensuring that the bushings are positioned correctly.

  6. Object Number: 156325  Size: SH
  7. Install the front brake caliper bolts and the sleeves.
  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.


    Object Number: 156329  Size: SH
  9. Lubricate the front caliper bolts and sleeves with high temperature silicone brake lubricant.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the front brake caliper bolts to 51 N·m (38 lb ft).

  11. Remove the rubber cap or plug from the exposed brake pipe fitting end.
  12. Install the front brake hose to the front brake caliper. Refer to Front Brake Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
  13. Important: Install NEW copper brake hose gaskets.

  14. Assemble the NEW copper brake hose gaskets, and the brake hose bolt to the brake hose.
  15. Install the brake hose to caliper bolt and NEW washers to the brake caliper.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the brake hose to caliper bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  17. Measure the clearance between the front brake caliper and the bracket stops.

  18. Object Number: 137  Size: SH
  19. If necessary, remove the front brake caliper and file the ends of the bracket to obtain a 0.26 to 0.60 mm (0.010 to 0.024 in) total clearance. Measure the clearances individually and add them together.
  20. Install the tire and the wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  21. Lower the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  22. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  23. Bleed the hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  24. Inspect the hydraulic brake system for brake fluid leaks.