GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Front Brake Caliper Replacement Without J55

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove two-thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder.
  2. Raise the vehicle and suitably support. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Mark the relationship of the wheel to the axle flange.
  4. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  5. Object Number: 105305  Size: SH
  6. Compress the brake caliper piston into brake caliper bore to allow the piston enough clearance to pass by the bosses on the brake pads.
  7. Install a large C-clamp over the top of the brake caliper housing and against the back of the outboard brake pad.
  8. Slowly tighten the C-clamp, until the piston is pushed into the brake caliper bore far enough to slide the brake caliper off the brake rotor.
  9. Remove the C-clamp from the brake caliper.

  10. Object Number: 420705  Size: SH
  11. Remove the brake caliper inlet fitting bolt to the brake caliper, and plug the opening in the brake caliper and brake hose to prevent fluid loss and contamination.

  12. Object Number: 691791  Size: SH
  13. Remove the brake caliper pin bolts.
  14. Remove the brake caliper.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 105282  Size: SH
  1. Compress brake caliper piston completely into the brake caliper bore.

  2. Object Number: 105287  Size: SH
  3. Install the brake caliper over the brake pads and into the brake caliper bracket.

  4. Object Number: 691791  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.

  5. Install the brake caliper pin bolts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the brake caliper pin bolts to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

  7. Install the brake hose inlet fitting to the brake caliper.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the brake hose fitting bolt to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

  9. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding Hydraulic Brakes.
  10. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Lower vehicle.

Front Brake Caliper Replacement J55

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, 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 the vehicle and suitably support. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  5. Mark the relationship of the wheel to the axle flange.
  6. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  7. Object Number: 654649  Size: SH
  8. Install a large C-clamp over the body of the brake caliper with the C-clamp ends against the rear of the caliper body and against the outer brake pads.
  9. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper pistons are compressed into the caliper bores enough to allow the caliper to slide past the brake rotor.
  10. Remove the C-clamp from the brake caliper.

  11. Object Number: 420705  Size: SH
  12. Remove the brake hose to caliper bolt attaching the brake hose to the brake caliper.
  13. Remove and discard the 2 copper brake hose gaskets. These gaskets may be stuck to the brake caliper and/or the brake hose end.
  14. Plug the opening in the brake caliper and pipe to prevent fluid loss and contamination.

  15. Object Number: 523600  Size: SH
  16. Remove the brake caliper pin bolts (1).
  17. Remove the brake caliper.

Installation Procedure

  1. If reusing the brake caliper pin bolts and retainers, clean the brake caliper pin bolts and retainers using denatured alcohol, or equivalent.
  2. Dry the brake caliper pin bolts and retainers, using non-lubricated, filtered air.
  3. Install the brake caliper over the brake pads and into the brake caliper bracket.
  4. Apply a thin coat of high temperature silicone brake lubricant to the brake caliper pin bolts: do NOT apply lubricant to the brake pad hardware.

  5. Object Number: 654623  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 brake caliper pin bolts.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the brake caliper pin bolts to 113 N·m (83 lb ft).

    Important: Install NEW copper brake hose gaskets.

  8. Assemble the brake hose bolt and the NEW copper brake hose gaskets to the brake hose.
  9. Install the brake hose to caliper bolt to the brake caliper.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the brake hose to caliper bolt to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

  11. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding Hydraulic Brakes.
  12. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.
  13. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  14. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 9-10 until a firm brake pedal apply is obtained; this will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  15. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  16. Lower vehicle.