GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure


    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. Install and hand tighten a wheel lug nut in order to retain the rotor.
  7. Compress the front caliper piston.
  8. 7.1. Install a large C-clamp over the top of the caliper housing and against the back of the outboard pad.
    7.2. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston pushes into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper off the rotor.
    7.3. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

    Object Number: 355004  Size: SH

    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.

  9. Remove the caliper from the mounting bracket and support the caliper with heavy mechanic's wire or equivalent. DO NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement .
  10. Remove the inboard and outboard pads from the caliper bracket.
  11. Inspect the following parts for cuts, tears, and/or deterioration. Replace any damaged parts.
  12. • The disc brake mounting hardware. Refer to Front Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection .
    • The caliper dust boot. Refer to Brake Caliper Inspection .
  13. Inspect the caliper bolts for corrosion or damage. Do not attempt to polish away any corrosion. If corrosion is found, use new parts, including bushings, when installing the caliper.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 728143  Size: SH
  1. Using a C-clamp, bottom the piston into the caliper bore. Use an old brake pad or wooden block placed across the face of the piston. Do not damage the piston or the caliper boot.
  2. Install the inboard and outboard pads to the caliper bracket.
  3. Verify that all of the wear sensors are in place.

  4. Object Number: 355004  Size: SH
  5. Install the caliper. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement .
  6. Remove the wheel lug nut securing the rotor to the hub.
  7. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  8. Lower the vehicle.
  9. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal approximately 2/3 of it's travel distance.
  10. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  11. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 8-9 until a firm brake pedal is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  12. Fill the brake master cylinder to the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  13. Burnish the pads and rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .