GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1999 🢒 Grand Am 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Tires and Wheels 🢒 Rear Brake Caliper Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove 2/3 of the brake fluid from the master cylinder.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  3. Mark the relationship of the wheel to the hub and bearing.
  4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

    5. Reinstall 2 wheel nuts in order to retain the rotor.


    Object Number: 479668 Size: SH
  5. Push the piston into the caliper bore in order to provide clearance between the linings and the rotor. Complete the following steps:
    6. 5.1. Install a large C-clamp (3) over the top of the caliper housing (1) and against the back of the outboard pad.
    5.2. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston is pushed into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper (1) off the rotor. Do not overtighten the C-clamp.

    Object Number: 479669 Size: SH
  6. Remove the bolt (3) attaching the inlet fitting.
  7. Plug the openings in the caliper housing and the hose fitting in order to prevent brake fluid loss and contamination.
  8. Remove the caliper bolts (1).
  9. Remove the caliper housing (2) from the caliper bracket (4).
  10. Inspect the piston boots for the following conditions:
    11. • Cuts
    • Tears
    • Deterioration
    • Replace the piston boots if damage exists. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
  11. Inspect the caliper bracket boots for the following conditions:
    12. • Cuts
    • Tears
    • Deterioration
    • Replace the caliper bracket boots if damage exists. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .

    Object Number: 176945 Size: SH
  12. Inspect the caliper bolts (1, 3) for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is found, use new parts, including bushings, when installing the caliper. Do not attempt to polish away corrosion.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 176945 Size: SH
  1. Install the caliper (2) to the caliper bracket (12). Ensure that the bushings are properly in place.
  2. Lubricate the caliper bolts (1, 3) with silicone grease. Do not lubricate the threads.
  3. Lubricate the 2 rubber boots (4, 13) in the caliper bracket (12) with silicone grease.

    4. 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.

  4. Install the caliper bolts (1, 3). Ensure that the boot is securely in the groove of the caliper bolt.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the caliper bolts  (1, 3) to 110 N·m(81 lb ft).


    Object Number: 176035 Size: SH

    Important: Replace the copper gaskets (3).

  5. Install the brake hose bolt (1).

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the brake hose bolt to 50 N·m(37 lb ft).

  6. Remove the wheel nuts securing the rotor to the hub.
  7. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

    8. Align the index marks on the wheel and the hub.

  8. Lower the vehicle.
  9. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  10. Bleed the entire brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  11. Apply approximately 778 N (175 lb) of force to the brake pedal 3 times in order to seat the pads against the rotor.
  12. Inspect the hydraulic brake system for brake fluid leaks. Refer to Brake Fluid Leak in Hydraulic Brakes.