GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

GM replacement brake lining material (or equivalent) is recommended for all GM vehicles in order to maintain the balance between front and rear brake performance. GM replacement brake parts have been carefully selected in order to provide the proper brake balance for purposes of both stopping distance and control over the full range of operation conditions. Installation of the front or rear brake lining material that has performance different than that of the GM replacement parts recommended for this vehicle may change the intended brake balance of this vehicle.

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


    Object Number: 177027  Size: SH
  6. Push the piston onto the caliper bore in order to provide clearance between the pads and the rotor. Complete the following steps:
  7. 5.1. Install a large C-clamp (2) over the top of the caliper housing (1) and against the back of the outboard pad.
    5.2. Slowly tighten the C-clamp (2) until the piston pushes into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper (1) off the rotor.

    Object Number: 177032  Size: SH
  8. Remove the lower caliper bolt (1).
  9. Notice: Use care to avoid damaging pin boot when rotating caliper.

  10. Rotate the caliper upward in order to access the pads.
  11. Remove the pads from the caliper bracket.
  12. Remove the two retainers from the caliper bracket.
  13. Inspect the following parts for cuts, tears, or deterioration. Replace any damaged parts:
  14. • The caliper bracket bolt boots.
    • The piston boot.
  15. Inspect the caliper bolts 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

Important: Before installing new brake pads, wipe the outside surface of the caliper boot clean. Use denatured alcohol.


    Object Number: 177028  Size: SH
  1. Bottom the piston into the caliper bore. If installing new brake pads, use a C-clamp in order to clamp the piston at the same time. Use a metal plate or wooden block across the face of the piston. Do not damage the piston or the caliper boot.
  2. Important: Lift the inner edge caliper boot next to the piston. Press out any trapped air. The boot must lay flat below the level of the piston face.

  3. Install the two retainers to the caliper bracket.

  4. Object Number: 177032  Size: SH

    Notice: Inner and outer brake pads must be new or parallel. Parking brake adjustment is not valid with tapered pads, and may cause caliper/parking brake binding. This will result in overheating and possible damage of the brake linings, rotor, and/or caliper.

    Important: The wear sensor is on the outside pad. The sensor is positioned at the leading edge (upward) of the pad during forward wheel rotation.

  5. Install the pads (5) to the caliper anchor bracket (3).
  6. Notice: Use care to avoid damaging pin boot when rotating caliper.

  7. Swing the caliper (2) down onto the pads.
  8. 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.

  9. Install the lower caliper bolt(1).
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the caliper bolts to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).

  11. Remove the wheel nuts securing the rotor to the hub.
  12. Install the front tire and the wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  13. Align the previous marks on the wheel and the hub.

  14. Lower the vehicle.
  15. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  16. Firmly apply the brake pedal three times in order to seat the pads.
  17. Burnish the pads and the rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .