GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement 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. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  5. Object Number: 105305  Size: SH

    Important: Do not use a screwdriver or pry bar to compress the caliper piston into the caliper. Any damage to the piston boot could cause corrosive element to enter the piston sealing area and lead to the piston seizing in the caliper bore.

  6. Using a large C clamp compress the caliper piston into the caliper bore completely.

  7. Object Number: 654623  Size: SH
  8. Remove the lower caliper slide pins.

  9. Object Number: 105287  Size: SH
  10. Remove the caliper from the anchor and support.

  11. Object Number: 497759  Size: SH
  12. Remove the inboard and outboard pads from the anchor bracket.

  13. Object Number: 497762  Size: SH
  14. Remove and inspect the pad retainers.

Important: Inspect the caliper bolt suspension boots for cuts, tears, or deterioration. If damaged, replace the pin boots. Refer to Brake Caliper Bracket Overhaul . Inspect the piston boot for deterioration. If damaged. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul . Inspect the caliper pin bolt for damage or corrosion. Replace if damaged or corroded. Do not attempt to clean away corrosion. Corrosion is typically caused by damaged pin boots.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 497762  Size: SH
  1. Install the brake pad retainers into the caliper anchor bracket.

  2. Object Number: 497759  Size: SH
  3. Install both brake pads into the caliper anchor bracket.

  4. Object Number: 105282  Size: SH
  5. If new brake pads are being installed in the vehicle it may be necessary to bottom the caliper piston completely into the caliper bore. Use a large C clamp and compress the piston into the caliper bore.

  6. Object Number: 105283  Size: SH

    Important: The caliper piston boot must lay flat. Make sure convolutions are tucked into place.

  7. Use a small plastic or wooden tool (1) to lift the inner edge of the boot next to the piston (2), and press out any trapped air.

  8. Object Number: 105287  Size: SH
  9. Install the caliper down over the brake pads and onto the anchor bracket.

  10. Object Number: 105290  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.

  11. Insert the caliper slide pins.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the caliper slide pin to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).

  13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  14. Lower the vehicle.
  15. Start the vehicle and apply approximately 778 N·m(175 lb ft.) of force three times to the brake pedal to seat the brake caliper piston and brake pads.
  16. Burnish the pads and rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .

Rear Disc Brake Pads 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 hub flange.
  4. Remove the Wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  5. Object Number: 617277  Size: SH

    Important: Do not use a screwdriver or pry bar to compress the caliper piston into the caliper. Any damage to the piston boot could cause corrosive elements to enter the piston sealing area and lead to the piston seizing in the caliper bore.

    Important: Do not exceed more than 1 mm of piston travel. Damage to the internal adjusting mechanism may result.

  6. Using a large C clamp compress the piston into the caliper until resistance is felt, but no more than 1 mm of piston travel in order to gain enough clearance to allow the caliper to pivot off the caliper bracket.

  7. Object Number: 106206  Size: SH
  8. Disconnect the park brake cable (1) from the brake caliper.
  9. Remove the bottom caliper slide pin.

  10. Object Number: 105773  Size: SH
  11. Pivot the caliper body (6) upward.
  12. Remove the inboard (2) and outboard (3) pads from the anchor bracket (5).
  13. Remove and inspect the pad retainers (1).

Important: Inspect the caliper bolt suspension boots for cuts, tears, or deterioration. If damaged, replace the pin boots. Refer to Caliper Bracket Overhaul. Inspect the piston boot for deterioration. If damaged, Refer to Caliper overhaul. Caliper pin bolt for damage or corrosion. Replace if damaged or corroded. Do not attempt to clean away corrosion. Corrosion is typically caused by damaged pin boots.

Installation Procedure

Important:  The electronic brake pad wear sensors must be replaced every time the brake pads are replaced. New brake pad wear sensors are included with GM replacement brake pad kits.


    Object Number: 105774  Size: SH
  1. Retract the caliper piston (2) into the caliper bore. Use a spanner type wrench and turn the piston clockwise until it bottoms out fully in the caliper and align the piston.

  2. Object Number: 105773  Size: SH
  3. Install the brake pad retainers (1) into the caliper anchor bracket (5).
  4. Snap the brake pad wear sensor into the inboard brake pad.
  5. Install the inboard (2) and outboard (3) brake pads into the caliper anchor bracket. Route the wear sensor wire through the caliper and support properly to be sure the wire will lay in its proper location when the caliper is installed.

  6. Object Number: 105283  Size: SH

    Important: The caliper piston boot must lay flat. Make sure convolutions are tucked into place.

  7. Use a small plastic or wooden tool (1) to lift the inner edge of the boot next to the piston, and press out any trapped air.

  8. Object Number: 105773  Size: SH
  9. Pivot the caliper down over the brake pads and into the anchor bracket. Be sure that the wear sensor wiring is properly routed and clipped in its original location.

  10. Object Number: 654753  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.

  11. Insert the lower caliper slide pin.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the caliper slide pin to 26 N·m (20 lb ft).


    Object Number: 106206  Size: SH
  13. Connect the park brake cable (1) to the brake caliper (2).
  14. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  15. Lower the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  16. Adjust the brake fluid level.
  17. Start the vehicle and apply approximately 778 N (175 lb) of force three times to the brake pedal to seat the brake caliper piston and brake pads. This helps to seat the brake caliper and pads.
  18. Recheck the brake fluid level.
  19. Burnish the pads and rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .