GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Rear Brake Caliper Replacement 1500 Series

Removal Procedure

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

Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Caution 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 in General Information.
  5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  6. Object Number: 687185  Size: SH
  7. Compress the brake caliper pistons.
  8. • 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.

    Object Number: 363420  Size: SH
  9. Clean all dirt and foreign material from the brake hose end.
  10. Important: Install a rubber cap or plug to the exposed brake pipe fitting end to prevent brake fluid loss and contamination.

  11. Remove the brake hose to caliper bolt from the brake caliper.
  12. Remove and discard the 2 copper brake hose gaskets. These gaskets may be stuck to the brake caliper housing or the brake hose end.

  13. Object Number: 789159  Size: SH
  14. Remove the caliper guide pin bolts.
  15. Remove the brake caliper from the vehicle.
  16. Inspect the caliper assembly. Refer to Brake Caliper Inspection .

Installation Procedure

    Important: Use denatured alcohol to clean the outside surface of caliper boots before installing new brake pads.

  1. If you are installing new brake pads use a C-clamp in order to compress the pistons to the bottom of the caliper bores. Use the old brake pad, a metal plate or a wooden block across the face of the pistons in order to protect the pistons and the caliper boots.

  2. Object Number: 177028  Size: SH

    Important: Use a small flat-bladed tool and lift the inner edge of the caliper boots next to both pistons to release any trapped air.

  3. Ensure that the caliper boots are below the level of the face of both pistons.
  4. Install the brake caliper to the brake caliper mounting bracket.
  5. Perform the following procedure before installing the caliper guide pin bolts.
  6. 4.1.  Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch.
    4.2. Clean the threads of the bolt with brake parts cleaner or the equivalent and allow to dry.
    4.3. Apply Threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) to the threads of the bolt.

    Object Number: 789159  Size: SH
  7. Install the brake caliper mounting bolts.
  8. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  9. Tighten the brake caliper guide pin bolts.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 42 N·m (31 lb ft).

  11. Remove the rubber cap or plug from the exposed brake hose fitting end.
  12. Important: Install 2 New copper brake hose gaskets.

  13. Assemble the 2 New copper brake hose gaskets and the brake hose to caliper bolt to the brake hose.

  14. Object Number: 363420  Size: SH
  15. Connect the brake hose at the caliper by installing the brake hose to caliper bolt.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the brake hose to caliper bolt to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

  17. Bleed the hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Antilock Brake System.
  18. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  19. Lower the vehicle.
  20. Fill the master cylinder reservoir to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.

Rear Brake Caliper Replacement 2500 Series

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

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

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 687185  Size: SH
  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 in General Information.
  5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  6. Inspect the caliper operation. Refer to Brake Caliper Inspection .
  7. Install a C-clamp over the body of the brake caliper, with the C-clamp ends against the rear of the caliper body and the outboard disc brake pad.
  8. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the pistons are pushed into the caliper bores enough to remove the caliper from the pads.
  9. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

  10. Object Number: 363420  Size: SH
  11. Clean all dirt and foreign material from the brake hose end.
  12. Important: Install a rubber cap or plug to the exposed brake pipe fitting end to prevent brake fluid loss and contamination.

  13. Remove the brake hose to caliper bolt from the brake caliper.
  14. Remove the brake hose from the caliper.
  15. Remove and discard the 2 copper brake hose gaskets. These gaskets may be stuck to the brake caliper housing or the brake hose end.
  16. Loosen the brake caliper mounting bolts. Do not remove.

  17. Object Number: 913587  Size: SH
  18. Remove the brake caliper mounting bracket bolts.
  19. Caution: Do not depress the brake pedal with the brake rotors/calipers and/or the brake drums removed. Damage to the brake system may result. If brake system damage occurs and is not repaired, vehicle damage and/or personal injury or death may result.

  20. Remove the brake caliper and the brake caliper mounting bracket as an assembly.
  21. Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts.
  22. Remove the brake caliper from the brake caliper mounting bracket.
  23. Inspect the caliper assembly. Refer to Brake Caliper Inspection .

  24. Object Number: 369668  Size: SH
  25. Remove the brake pads from the brake caliper mounting bracket.
  26. Remove the anti-rattle clips from the brake caliper mounting bracket.
  27. Inspect the brake caliper mounting bracket for cracks and/or damage. Replace if necessary.
  28. Inspect the brake caliper mounting bracket bushings for damage and/or wear. Replace the bushings if necessary.
  29. Perform the following procedure to replace the brake caliper mounting bracket bushings.
  30. • Insert a flat bladed tool between the bushing flange and the mounting bracket.
    • Work the tool around the bushing flange and remove the bushing from the mounting bracket.
    • Place a socket over the boot onto the bushing flange and install the bushing to the mounting bracket.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 369668  Size: SH
  1. Install the anti-rattle clips to the brake caliper mounting bracket.
  2. Install the brake pads to the brake caliper mounting bracket.
  3. Install the brake caliper to the brake caliper mounting bracket.
  4. Perform the following procedure before installing the brake caliper mounting bracket bolts and the brake caliper mounting bolts:
  5. 4.1. Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch.
    4.2. Clean the threads of the bolt with brake parts cleaner or the equivalent and allow to dry.
    4.3. Apply Threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) to the threads of the bolt.
  6. Install the brake caliper mounting bolts. Do not tighten.

  7. Object Number: 913587  Size: SH
  8. Install the brake caliper mounting bracket and brake caliper as an assembly.
  9. 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.

  10. Install the brake caliper mounting bracket bolts.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the brake caliper mounting bracket bolts to 300 N·m (221 lb ft).

  12. Tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts to 108 N·m (80 lb ft).


    Object Number: 363420  Size: SH
  14. Remove the rubber cap or plug from the exposed brake hose fitting end.
  15. Important: Install 2 new copper brake hose gaskets.

  16. Assemble the 2 new copper brake hose gaskets and the brake hose inlet fitting bolt to the brake hose.
  17. Connect the brake hose at the caliper by installing the brake hose to caliper bolt.
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

  19. Bleed the hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  20. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  21. Lower the vehicle.
  22. Fill the master cylinder reservoir to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.