GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Front Brake Caliper Replacement First Design

Removal Procedure

  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 the vehicle and suitably support. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  5. Mark the relationship of wheel to the axle flange.
  6. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  7. Hand tighten 2 wheel lug nuts to retain the rotor to the hub.
  8. Lift the electronic brake wear sensor retainer clip.
  9. Remove the electronic brake wear sensor wire from under the retainer clip.
  10. Carefully pulling up on the electronic brake wear sensor wire and with a small screw driver push the retaining clip inward and remove the electronic brake wear sensor from the inner brake pad.
  11. Disconnect the electronic brake wear sensor connector.
  12. Remove the electronic brake wear sensor form the caliper.

  13. Object Number: 105305  Size: SH
  14. 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.
  15. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston is compressed into the caliper bore enough to allow the caliper to slide past the brake rotor.
  16. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

  17. Object Number: 420705  Size: SH
  18. Remove the brake caliper inlet fitting bolt to the brake caliper.
  19. Remove and discard the two copper brake hose gaskets. These gaskets may be stuck to the brake caliper and/or the brake hose end.
  20. Plug the opening in the brake caliper and brake hose to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
  21. Important: When servicing the brake caliper, the first design hardware will be upgraded to the second design hardware, with new caliper pin bolts.


    Object Number: 691791  Size: SH
  22. Remove the brake caliper pin bolts.
  23. Remove the brake caliper.

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 and retainers, using non-lubricated, filtered air.
  3. Important: DO NOT apply lubricant to the brake pad hardware.

  4. If using the first design hardware apply high temperature silicone brake lubricant to the brake caliper pin bolts and retainers. If using the second design hardware apply NIGLUBE® grease to the brake caliper pin bolts. It is not necessary to apply lubricant to the brake pad hardware or the threads of the pin bolts.

  5. Object Number: 105287  Size: SH
  6. Install the brake caliper over the brake pads into the brake caliper bracket.
  7. Important: If installing the second design hardware kit the upper caliper pin bolt, has a bushing as part of the assembly. The lower caliper pin, is a solid design pin bolt.


    Object Number: 691791  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 the brake caliper pin bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the brake caliper pin bolts to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).

    Important: Install NEW copper brake hose gaskets.

  10. Assemble the brake hose bolt and the NEW copper brake hose gaskets to the brake hose.
  11. Install the brake caliper inlet fitting bolt to the brake caliper.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the brake caliper inlet fitting bolt to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

    Important: Care must be taken that the electronic brake pad wear sensor harness is routed properly, to avoid damaging the harness.


    Object Number: 701868  Size: SH
  13. Install the electronic brake wear sensor wiring (1) to the caliper.
  14. Install the electronic brake wear sensor to the caliper.
  15. Connect the electronic brake wear sensor connector.
  16. Insert the electronic brake wear sensor into the inn brake pad.
  17. Lift the electronic brake wear sensor retainer clip and install the wire under the clip.
  18. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  19. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.
  20. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  21. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 14-15 until a firm brake pedal apply is obtained, This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  22. Remove the 2 wheel lug nuts retaining the rotor to the hub.
  23. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  24. Lower the vehicle.

Front Brake Caliper Replacement Second design

Removal Procedure

  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. Mark the relationship of wheel to the axle flange.
  6. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  7. Install and hand tighten 2 wheel lug nuts to retain the rotor to the hub.

  8. Object Number: 701868  Size: SH
  9. Lift the electronic brake wear sensor retainer clip.
  10. Remove the electronic brake wear sensor wire (1) from under the retainer clip.
  11. Carefully pulling up on the electronic brake wear sensor wire and with a small screw driver push the retaining clip inward and remove the electronic brake wear sensor from the inner brake pad.
  12. Disconnect the electronic brake wear sensor connector.
  13. Remove the electronic brake wear sensor form the caliper.

  14. Object Number: 105305  Size: SH
  15. 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.
  16. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston is compressed into the caliper bore enough to allow the caliper to slide past the brake rotor.
  17. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

  18. Object Number: 420705  Size: SH
  19. Remove the brake hose to caliper bolt from the brake caliper.
  20. Remove and discard the two copper brake hose gaskets. These gaskets may be stuck to the brake caliper and/or the brake hose end.
  21. Plug the opening in the brake caliper and hose to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
  22. Important: The upper caliper pin bolt, has a bushing as part of the bolt. The lower caliper pin bolt, is of a solid design.


    Object Number: 793823  Size: SH
  23. Remove the caliper pin bolts (1). Note the location of the caliper pin bolts.
  24. Remove the caliper (2) from the caliper bracket (3).
  25. Inspect the caliper pin bolt boots in the caliper bracket for the following conditions:
  26. • Cuts
    • Tears
    • Deterioration
    • Replace any damaged caliper pin bolt boots. Refer to Front Disc Brake Hardware Replacement .

Installation Procedure

  1. If reusing the brake caliper pin bolts:
  2. • Clean the brake caliper pin bolts using denatured alcohol, or equivalent.
    • Dry the brake caliper pin bolts, using non-lubricated, filtered air.

    Important: DO NOT apply lubricant to the brake pad hardware.

  3. Apply NIGLUBE® grease to the brake caliper pin bolts. It is not necessary to apply lubricant to the brake pad hardware or the threads of the caliper pin bolts.

  4. Object Number: 793823  Size: SH
  5. Install the brake caliper (2) over the brake pads into the brake caliper bracket (3).
  6. 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.

    Important: The upper caliper pin bolt, has a bushing as part of the bolt. The lower caliper pin bolt, is of a solid design.


    Object Number: 793823  Size: SH
  7. Install the caliper pin bolts (1).
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the brake caliper pin bolts to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).

    Important: Install NEW copper brake hose gaskets.

  9. Assemble the brake hose bolt and the NEW copper brake hose gaskets to the brake hose.

  10. Object Number: 420705  Size: SH
  11. Install the brake hose to caliper bolt to the brake caliper.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the brake hose to caliper bolt to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

  13. Install the electronic brake wear sensor wiring (1) to the caliper.
  14. Install the electronic brake wear sensor to the caliper.
  15. Connect the electronic brake wear sensor connector.
  16. Insert the electronic brake wear sensor into the inn brake pad.
  17. Lift the electronic brake wear sensor retainer clip and install the wire under the clip.
  18. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  19. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.
  20. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  21. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 13-14 until a firm brake pedal is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  22. Remove the two wheel lug nuts retaining the brake rotor to the hub.
  23. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  24. Lower the vehicle.