Rear Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection With Single Rear Wheel

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 then 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 then 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. Grasp the brake caliper housing and try to move the brake caliper housing up/down and forward/reverse in relation to the brake caliper mounting bracket. If excessive looseness is observed the brake caliper bracket bushings and/or the brake caliper mounting bolts may need to be replaced.
7. Compress the rear brake caliper pistons.

•	Install a large C-clamp over the top of the caliper housing and against the back of the outboard pad.

•	Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the pistons are pushed completely into the caliper bores.

•	Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

8. With the pistons compressed into the caliper bores, grasp the brake caliper housing and slide it back and forth on the brake caliper mounting bolts. Check for smooth operation. If the brake caliper housing slide force is high or the brake caliper housing does not slide smoothly, inspect the brake caliper mounting bolts and/or the brake caliper mounting bracket bushings for wear or damage. If wear or damage conditions are found, replacement of the brake caliper mounting bolts and/or the brake caliper mounting bracket bushings is necessary.
9. Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts from the brake caliper mounting bracket and support the brake caliper using heavy mechanics wire. Do Not remove the hydraulic brake hose from the caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement.
10. Remove the disc brake pads from the brake caliper mounting bracket.
11. Inspect the disc brake pad mounting hardware for the following:

•	Missing mounting hardware

•	Excessive corrosion

•	Bent mounting tabs

•	Looseness at the brake caliper mounting bracket

•	Looseness at the disc brake pads

•	Excessive contaminants in the brake caliper mounting bracket surface and threads.

12. If any of the conditions listed are found, the disc brake pad mounting hardware requires replacement.
13. Ensure the disc brake pads are held firmly in place on the brake caliper mounting bracket, yet slide easily on the mounting hardware without binding.



14. Inspect the caliper bolts (1) for the following:

•

Binding

•

Seizing

•	Looseness in the brake caliper mounting bracket (3)

•	Bent or damaged brake caliper mounting bolts

•	Cracked or torn boots (4)

•	Missing boots

•	Bent or damaged brake caliper mounting bracket (3)

15. If any of the conditions listed are found then the brake caliper mounting hardware requires replacement.
16. Install the disc brake pads to the brake caliper mounting bracket.
17. Install the disc brake caliper to the brake caliper mounting bracket. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement.

Rear Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection With Dual Rear Wheel

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

Warning: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant 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. 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.
5. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston is compressed into the caliper bore leaving a gap of approximately 10 mm (0.38 in) between the disc brake pads and the brake rotor.
6. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.
7. Grasp the brake caliper and attempt to move the brake caliper vertically. The brake caliper should not exhibit excessive looseness.
8. Grasp the brake caliper and move the brake caliper inboard and outboard. The brake caliper should slide smoothly with minimal force.
9. Inspect the disc brake pad retainers and the disc brake pads for the following:

•	Bent mounting tabs

•	Excessive corrosion

•	Looseness at the caliper bracket

•	Looseness at the disc brake pads

•	Missing mounting hardware

10. If any of the conditions listed are found, the disc brake pads and/or mounting hardware require replacement.
11. Ensure the disc brake pads are held firmly in place on the caliper bracket, yet slide easily on the bracket without binding.



12. Inspect the brake caliper guide pin seals (1) and the brake caliper guide pin caps (2) for the following:

•	Split or torn seals

•	Split or torn caps

•	Missing seals

•	Missing caps




13. Inspect the brake caliper mounting hardware for the following:

•	Dislodged and distorted seals (1) at the brake caliper

•	Dislodged and distorted seals at the brake caliper bracket

•	Hardened brake caliper guide pin seals

•	Seized brake caliper guide pins (2)

•	Bent or damaged brake caliper guide pins

•	Restricted brake caliper sliding movement

•	Dislodged and distorted brake caliper guide pin caps (3)

•	Hardened brake caliper guide pin caps

14. If any of the conditions listed are found, the brake caliper mounting hardware requires replacement.