GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Brake Pads Replacement Front

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove one-third of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir.
  2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  4. Object Number: 219574  Size: SH
  5. Remove the caliper and support with mechanic's wire. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement .

  6. Object Number: 219578  Size: SH

    Important: Do not attempt to pry or pull the brake pad wear sensor out of the brake pad. The brake pad wear sensor must be pushed out of the brake pad.

  7. Remove the inner brake pad from the caliper bracket with the brake pad wear sensor.
  8. Remove the brake pads (1) from the caliper bracket (2).
  9. Remove the brake pad wear sensor. Use a small punch to push the sensor throught the back side of the brake pad.
  10. Insect the following components:
  11. 8.1. Inspect the guide pins for free movement within the caliper bracket. Replace guide pins and or guide pin boots in the following conditions:
       • Corroded
       • Worn
       • Damaged
    8.2. Inspect the condition of the brake pad wear sensor, replace as needed.
    8.3. Inspect the brake pads for un-even wear.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 219578  Size: SH
  1. Ensure caliper bracket mounting surfaces (1) are clean and lubricated.

  2. Object Number: 219574  Size: SH
  3. Install the inner and outer pads (1) to the caliper bracket (2).
  4. Connect the brake pad wear sensor to the inner brake pads.
  5. Connect the brake pad wear sensor harness and retainers to the front suspension strut.
  6. Install the caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement .
  7. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  8. Lower the vehicle.
  9. Fill the master cylinder reservoir.
  10. Important: It is important that new braking surfaces be broken in or burnished after brake pads are installed and/or after rotors are refinished. Avoid overheating the brakes.

  11. Make 20 stops from 48 km/h (30 mph) using medium to firm brake pedal pressure to burnish the brake rotors.

Brake Pads Replacement Rear

Removal Procedure

Notice: Do not use lubricated compressed air on brake parts as damage to rubber components may result.

  1. Remove one-third of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir.
  2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Important: Use only minimal effort to manipulate the pistons. Ensure to use slow gradual force as the cylinders are so small.

  5. Use a screwdriver to gently pry between the rotor and each brake pad to bottom each piston in its bore.

  6. Object Number: 219600  Size: SH
  7. Use a punch to drive the rear brake caliper retaining pins (1) out of the rear brake caliper from the outside inward.
  8. Remove the rear brake caliper spring retainer (2).

  9. Object Number: 219601  Size: SH
  10. Remove the brake pads.
  11. Inspect the pins for corrosion and/or damage. Replace the pins as necessary.
  12. Inspect the brake pads for wear.
  13. Inspect the brake pads for maximum taper of 0.15 mm (0.006 in). Replace with a new brake pad set if any pad tapers beyond the specification.

Installation Procedure

Important: 

   • Use clean brake fluid to lubricate all the rubber parts to ease assembly.
   • Replace brake pads in axle sets only.
   • The torque values specified are for dry, unlubricated fasteners.
   • Perform the service operations on a clean bench, free from all mineral oil materials.

  1. Install the brake pads.

  2. Object Number: 219602  Size: SH
  3. Perform the following steps to install the rear brake caliper retaining pins:
  4. 2.1. Use a punch to drive the first pin (2) into the caliper. Ensure the pin (2) inserts through the holes in the brake pads.
    2.2. Install the rear brake caliper spring retainer (1).
    2.3. Install the second pin (2). Ensure the pin (2) inserts through the holes in the brake pads.
  5. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  6. Lower the vehicle.
  7. Fill the master cylinder reservoir.
  8. Important: It is important that new braking surfaces be broken in or burnished after brake pads are installed and/or after rotors are refinished. Avoid overheating the brakes.

  9. Make 20 stops from 48 km/h (30 mph) using medium to firm brake pedal pressure to burnish the brake rotors.