GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Brake Caliper Replacement Front

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and the wheel. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Carefully separate sensor from the inner brake pad by placing a small screwdriver between the lower section of the sensor and the brake pad and apply mild twisting force to screwdriver.

  4. Object Number: 219570  Size: SH
  5. Remove two thirds of the fluid from the master cylinder reservoir.

  6. Object Number: 219572  Size: SH
  7. Compress piston into caliper housing bore to provide clearance between linings and rotor.
  8. • Ensure one end of C-clamp rest on brake hose fitting bolt and the other end against the outer pad.
    • Tighten C-clamp slowly to press piston into caliper housing bore.

    Object Number: 219569  Size: SH
  9. Remove the following components if the caliper is being serviced or replaced:
  10. • Remove the front brake hose bolt (3)
    • Remove the front brake hose (1)
    • Remove the front brake hose seals (2)
  11. Discard bolt and seals.

  12. Object Number: 219575  Size: SH
  13. Remove the guide pin bolts (discard bolts).
  14. Remove the caliper from the caliper bracket.
  15. Suspend with mechanic's wire if necessary.


    Object Number: 219578  Size: SH
  16. Remove the inner and outer pads (1) from the caliper bracket (2).
  17. Inspect the inner and outer pads for wear and maximum taper of 0.15 mm (0.006 in). Replace with a new brake pad set if they are tapered beyond specification.

Caliper Disassemble Procedure

  1. Disassemble the piston from housing.
  2. • Insert piece of wood or shop towel into caliper to cushion piston upon removal.
    • Apply moderate compressed air to the caliper housing inlet hole.
  3. Inspect the piston for the following conditions:
  4. • For scoring
    • Nicks
    • Corrosion
    • Worn or damaged chrome plating
    • Replace the piston if any of the above are found.
  5. Disassemble the front brake caliper dust boot from housing.
  6. Disassemble the front brake caliper seal (1) from the housing.
  7. Use a small wood or plastic tool.

  8. Insect the caliper housing bore and seal groove for the following conditions:
  9. • Scoring
    • Nicks
    • Corrosion
    • Wear
         1. Use crocus cloth to polish out light corrosion.
         2. Replace caliper if corrosion in and around the seal groove will not clean up with crocus cloth.

Caliper Assemble Procedure

  1. Clean all parts in denatured alcohol.
  2. Dry with unlubricated compressed air.
  3. Blow out all passages in housing and valve with compressed air.
  4. Lubricate piston and all rubber parts with clean brake fluid.
  5. Seal into the bore groove of housing.
  6. Ensure seal is seated and not twisted.

  7. Dust boot (2) into caliper housing (3).

  8. Object Number: 219615  Size: SH
  9. Assemble piston (1) into dust boot (2).
  10. Push piston to the bottom of the caliper housing bore.
  11. Important: By applying compressed air to the caliper housing inlet bore and positioning the piston in front of the dust boot the compressed air will expand the boot over the piston. Once the boot is over the piston release the compressed air and insert the piston into the bore. This may require assistance of a helper.

    Important: Once the piston is bottomed into the caliper housing bore the dust boot will seat itself in the machined channel on the piston. Caliper is now ready for installation.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 219579  Size: SH
  1. Ensure the front brake caliper bracket mounting surfaces (1) are clean and lubricated.

  2. Object Number: 219578  Size: SH
  3. Install the inner and outer pads (1) into caliper bracket (2), if removed.

  4. Object Number: 219581  Size: SH
  5. Install the caliper (1).
  6. Install the brake pad sensor.

  7. Object Number: 219575  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.

  8. Install new guide pin bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten guide pin bolts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

  10. Install the front brake hose if removed.
  11. Install new seals if removed.
  12. Install a new front brake hose bolt if removed.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the front brake hose bolt to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

  14. Bleed brake hydraulic system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  15. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and wheel.
  16. Lower the vehicle.

Brake Caliper Replacement Rear

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the rear disc brake pads. Refer to Brake Pads Replacement .

  2. Object Number: 219603  Size: SH
  3. Remove the rear brake caliper pipe (1).
  4. Remove the rear brake caliper bolts (2).
  5. Remove the rear brake caliper from the rotor.
  6. Important: It is not necessary to separate the caliper housing halves to overhaul the cylinders. Replace the caliper if the housing leaks from the mating surfaces.

Disassemble Procedure

Tool Required

J 22429 Piston Retainer

  1. Install the J 22429 Piston Retainer onto the caliper opposite the cylinder to be removed.
  2. Direct dry, filtered compressed air into the fluid channel port of the caliper housing to remove the piston.
  3. Caution: Do not place your fingers in front of the piston in order to catch or protect the piston while applying compressed air. This could result in serious injury.

    Important: Use clean shop towels to pad the inside of the caliper housing during the rear brake caliper piston removal.


    Object Number: 219607  Size: SH
  4. Use the J 22429 Piston Retainer to cover the exposed bore.
  5. Use dry unlubricated compressed air to carefully remove the opposing piston.
  6. Caution: Do not place fingers in front of the caliper piston(s) in an attempt to catch or protect it when applying compressed air. The piston(s) can fly out with force and could result in serious bodily injury.


    Object Number: 219608  Size: SH
  7. Inspect the pistons for the following conditions:
  8. • Inspect for scoring.
    • Inspect for nicks.
    • Inspect for corrosion.
    • Inspect for wear.
  9. Replace the piston(s) as necessary.
  10. Use a small wood or plastic tool to remove the rear brake caliper piston seal(s).

  11. Object Number: 219613  Size: SH
  12. Remove the bleeder valve cap (1).
  13. Remove the rear brake caliper bleeder valve (2).
  14. Discard the bleeder valve.
  15. Inspect all the parts for the following conditions:
  16. • Inspect for excessive wear.
    • Inspect for cracks.
    • Inspect for other changes.
  17. Replace the parts as necessary.
  18. Use denatured alcohol to clean all the parts not included in the repair kit.
  19. Use dry, filtered compressed air to dry the parts.
  20. Blow out all the passages in the caliper housing.
  21. Blow out all the passages in the bleeder valve.
  22. Inspect the caliper housing bores for the following conditions:
  23. • Inspect for scoring.
    • Inspect for corrosion.
  24. Replace the caliper housing if badly scored and/or corroded around the seal areas.

Assemble Procedure


    Object Number: 219613  Size: SH
  1. Install a new bleeder valve (2).
  2. Install a new bleeder valve cap (1).
  3. Use clean brake fluid to lubricate the new piston seals.
  4. Use clean brake fluid to lubricate the caliper housing bore seal grooves.

  5. Object Number: 219611  Size: SH
  6. Install new piston seals (1) into the caliper housing seal grooves.
  7. Important: Ensure the piston seals are properly seated and not twisted.

  8. Use clean brake fluid to lubricate the bores of the caliper housing.
  9. Use clean brake fluid to lubricate the pistons.

  10. Object Number: 219615  Size: SH
  11. Install the dust boots (2) onto the pistons (1). The dust boot seats in the piston channel once the piston is fully seated.

  12. Object Number: 219620  Size: SH
  13. Push the pistons down by hand into the bottom of the bores of the caliper housing.
  14. Work the outer edge of the dust boots around the caliper housing embossments (1) with the pistons bottomed in the bores.
  15. The caliper is now ready for reinstallation.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the caliper onto the rotor.

  2. Object Number: 219603  Size: SH
  3. Install the rear brake caliper bolts (2).
  4. 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.

    Tighten
    Tighten the rear brake caliper bolts (2) to 80 N·m (59 lb ft).

  5. Install the rear brake caliper pipe (1) to the caliper.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the brake pipe fitting to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

  7. Install the rear disc brake pads. Refer to Brake Pads Replacement .
  8. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  9. Lower the vehicle.
  10. Bleed the brake hydraulic system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.