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, then no brake fluid needs to be removed from the reservoir before proceeding. 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.
  3. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  4. Remove the front tire and the wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  5. Hand tighten 2 wheel lug nuts to retain the rotor to the hub.

  6. Object Number: 177027  Size: SH
  7. Install a large C-clamp (2) over the top of the brake caliper and against the back of the outboard brake pad.
  8. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston is pushed into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper off the rotor.
  9. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

  10. Object Number: 176035  Size: SH
  11. Remove the brake hose-to-caliper bolt (1) from the caliper.
  12. Discard the 2 copper brake hose gaskets (3). These gaskets may be stuck to the brake caliper and/or the brake hose end.

  13. Plug the opening in the front brake hose (2) to prevent excessive brake fluid loss and contamination.
  14. Important: When servicing the caliper, the first design hardware will be upgraded to the second design with the revised hardware kit, which includes new caliper pin bolts.


    Object Number: 185495  Size: SH
  15. Remove the caliper bolts (3) and discard.
  16. Remove the caliper (1) from the rotor and the caliper bracket (2).
  17. Replace the first design disc brake hardware. Refer to Front Disc Brake Hardware Replacement .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 793825  Size: SH
  1. Install the caliper over the rotor and onto the caliper bracket. Ensure that the caliper pin boots are not pinched.
  2. Apply lubricant, GM P/N 18047666 or equivalent, to the caliper bolts (4). Do not lubricate the threads.

  3. Object Number: 793823  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.

    Important: The leading caliper pin, or top pin, has a bushing as part of the assembly. The trailing caliper pin, or bottom pin, is a solid design.

  4. Install the caliper bolts (1). It is important to note which caliper pin is designed for the correct bore. The leading caliper pin, or top pin, has a bushing as part of the assembly. The trailing caliper pin, or bottom pin, is a solid design. Ensure that the bolt boots fit securely in the groove of the pin bolts. Be sure not to pinch or tear the boots. If the boots are damaged, they must be replaced.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).


    Object Number: 176035  Size: SH

    Important: Install NEW copper brake hose gaskets.

  6. Assemble the brake hose bolt (1) and the NEW copper brake hose gaskets (3) to the brake hose (2).
  7. Install the brake hose-to-caliper bolt to the brake caliper.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 54 N·m (40 lb ft).

  9. Remove the 2 wheel lug nuts retaining the rotor to the hub.
  10. Install the front tire and the wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Lower the vehicle.
  12. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  13. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  14. Inspect the hydraulic brake system for brake fluid leaks.

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, then no brake fluid needs to be removed from the reservoir before proceeding. 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.
  3. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  4. Remove the front tire and the wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  5. Hand tighten 2 wheel lug nuts to retain the rotor to the hub.

  6. Object Number: 177027  Size: SH
  7. Install a large C-clamp (2) over the top of the brake caliper and against the back of the outboard brake pad.
  8. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston is pushed into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper off the rotor.
  9. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

  10. Object Number: 176035  Size: SH
  11. Remove the brake hose-to-caliper bolt (1) from the caliper.
  12. Discard the 2 copper brake hose gaskets (3). These gaskets may be stuck to the brake caliper and/or the brake hose end.

  13. Plug the opening in the front brake hose (2) to prevent excessive brake fluid loss and contamination.
  14. Important: Note the location of the caliper pin bolts. The leading caliper pin bolt, or top bolt, has a bushing as part of the assembly. The trailing caliper pin bolt, or bottom bolt, is a solid design.


    Object Number: 793823  Size: SH
  15. Remove the caliper pin bolts (1). Note the location of the caliper pin bolts. The leading caliper pin, or top bolt, has a bushing as part of the assembly. The trailing caliper pin, or bottom bolt, is a solid design.
  16. Remove the caliper (2) from the rotor and the caliper bracket (3).
  17. Inspect the caliper bolt boots in the caliper bracket for the following conditions:
  18. • Cuts
    • Tears
    • Deterioration
    • Replace any damaged the caliper bolt boots. Refer to Front Disc Brake Hardware Replacement .

    Object Number: 793921  Size: SH
  19. Inspect the caliper bolts (1) for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is found, use new caliper bolts (1) when installing the caliper.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 814214  Size: SH
  1. If reusing the brake caliper pin bolts, wipe away any debris and old lubricant with a clean shop cloth.
  2. Apply lubricant, GM P/N 18047666 or equivalent, to the brake caliper pin bolts. Apply a thin layer to the pin bushing (2), and to the caliper pin bolt shank (3, 4). Ensure that there is not a buildup of excess lubricant at the end of the leading caliper pin (1), in front of the bushing.

  3. Object Number: 793823  Size: SH
  4. Install the caliper (2) over the rotor and onto the caliper bracket (3).
  5. Important: The leading caliper pin, or top bolt, has a bushing as part of the assembly. The trailing caliper pin, or bottom bolt, is a solid design.


    Object Number: 793823  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.

  6. Install the caliper pin bolts (1). The leading caliper pin bolt, or top bolt, has a bushing as part of the assembly. The trailing caliper pin bolt, or bottom bolt, is a solid design. Ensure that the bolt boots fit securely in the groove of the caliper pin bolts. If the boots are damaged, they must be replaced.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).


    Object Number: 176035  Size: SH

    Important: Install NEW copper brake hose gaskets.

  8. Assemble the brake hose bolt (1) and the NEW copper brake hose gaskets (3) to the brake hose (2).
  9. Install the brake hose-to-caliper bolt to the brake caliper.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 54 N·m (40 lb ft).

  11. Remove the 2 wheel lug nuts retaining the rotor to the hub.
  12. Install the front tire and the wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  13. Lower the vehicle.
  14. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  15. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  16. Inspect the hydraulic brake system for brake fluid leaks.