Disc Brakes System Description Disc Brake Operation

The caliper is a single piston design that is mounted to a anchor bracket with two pin bolts. The anchor bracket mounts to the steering knuckle with two bolts. Hydraulic pressure, created when the brake pedal is depressed, acts equally against the piston and the bottom of the caliper bore to move the piston outward and to slide the caliper inward. This action forces both pads against the rotor, creating friction to stop the vehicle.

When the brake pedal is released, line pressure is released and the seal and seal groove cause the piston to retract slightly, resulting in less pad wear and pad drag on the rotor. Pad wear is automatically compensated for by the sliding action of the caliper.

Disc Brakes System Description BurnishingPads and Rotors

After replacing pads and/or refinishing rotors, break in or burnish the new braking surfaces. This can be done by making 20 stops from 48 km/h (30 mph), using medium to firm pedal pressure. Take care to not overheat the brakes.

Disc Brakes System Description Pad Replacement Recommendation

GM replacement brake lining material is recommended for all GM vehicles to maintain the balance between front and rear brake performance. GM replacement brake parts have been carefully selected to provide the proper brake balance for purposes of both stopping distance and controllability over the full range of operation conditions. Installation of front or rear brake lining material with performance different from that of the GM replacement parts recommended for this vehicle can change the intended brake balance of this vehicle.