GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 42450-A Wheel Hub Cleaning Kit

Removal Procedure

The brake rotor can be accessed by removing the caliper and the caliper bracket as an assembly.


    Object Number: 176947  Size: SH
  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 wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  6. Compress the front caliper piston.
  7. 6.1. Install a large C-clamp over the top of the caliper housing and against the back of the outboard pad.
    6.2. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston pushes into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper and bracket off the rotor.
    6.3. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

            Important: Do not disconnect the brake hose from the caliper.

            Notice: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the flexible brake hose to bear the weight of the caliper, which may cause damage to the brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.

    6.4. Remove the brake caliper bracket mounting bolts.
  8. Remove the brake caliper and the brake caliper bracket as an assembly.
  9. Suspend the caliper and bracket assembly.

  10. Object Number: 357057  Size: SH
  11. Remove and dispose of the sheet metal rotor retainers (if necessary).
  12. Remove the rotor.

Installation Procedure

Notice: Whenever the brake rotor has been separated from the wheel bearing flange, clean any rust or foreign material from the mating surface of the rotor and flange with the J 42450 hub cleaning kit. Failure to do this may result in increased lateral runout of the rotor and brake pulsation.


    Object Number: 409872  Size: SH
  1. Use the J 42450-A to clean the hub flange.
  2. Install the rotor.
  3. Verify that the brake pads are in place.
  4. Install the brake caliper and brake caliper bracket assembly.
  5. 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.

  6. Install the caliper bracket mounting bolts.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the caliper bracket mounting bolts to 180 N·m (133 lb ft).

  8. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  9. Lower the vehicle.
  10. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal approximately 2/3 of it's travel distance.
  11. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  12. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 7-8 until a firm brake pedal is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.