GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2009 🢒 Vibe - AWD 🢒 Brakes 🢒 Hydraulic Brakes 🢒 Front Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection
  1. Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.

    2. Warning: Refer to Brake Dust Warning in the Preface section.

    Warning: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution in the Preface section.

  2. If the brake fluid level is higher than midway between the maximum level and the minimum level, use a siphon in order to remove brake fluid to the midway point.
  3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  4. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

    5. Note: DO NOT use abrasives in order to clean brake components.

  5. Clean the brake parts with denatured alcohol or an equivalent brake parts cleaner.
  6. Install a large C-clamp over the brake caliper. Position the ends of the C-clamp against the rear of the caliper body and against the outer brake pad.
  7. Tighten the C-clamp in order to compress the caliper piston into the caliper bore.
  8. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.
  9. Attempt to move the caliper up and down. Verify the caliper is not loose.
  10. Attempt to move the caliper in and out. Verify the caliper slides smoothly with minimal force.
  11. Inspect the caliper bolts for the following conditions:
    12. • Corrosion
    • Damage
    • Looseness
    • Seizing
  12. Gently pull the caliper slide pins outward without disengaging the slide pins from the boots.
  13. Gently push the slide pins inward.
  14. Inspect for the following conditions:
    15. • Caliper bolt damage
    • Caliper bracket damage
    • Looseness in the caliper bracket
    • Missing components
    • Cracked or torn slide pin boots
    • Binding
    • Seizing
    • Corrosion
  15. Verify the pads slide easily and without binding on the hardware.
  16. Remove the brake pads. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement.
  17. Inspect the brake pad retainers for the following conditions:
    18. • Insufficient rebound
    • Deformation
    • Cracks
    • Wear
    • Corrosion
  18. Inspect the disc brake pad hardware for the following conditions:
    19. • Bent components
    • Excessive corrosion
    • Looseness at the disc brake pads
    • Missing hardware
  19. If any of the conditions exist, replace the disc brake hardware. Refer to Front Disc Brake Hardware Replacement.
  20. Inspect the caliper bracket for damage. If the bracket is damaged, replace the bracket. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement.
  21. Install the brake pads. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement.
  22. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  23. Lower the vehicle.
  24. With the engine OFF, gradually apply and release the brake pedal several times in order to position the caliper pistons and the brake pads.
  25. Fill the master cylinder fluid reservoir. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling.