GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2000 🢒 GL7 (Export) 🢒 Brakes 🢒 Hydraulic Brakes 🢒 Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove two-thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Install two wheel nuts to secure the rotor.

    5. Object Number: 176947 Size: SH
  5. Install a C-clamp (3) over the brake caliper (2) and against the back of the outboard brake pad.
  6. Tighten the C-clamp (3) until the brake caliper piston pushes into the brake caliper bore enough to slide the brake caliper (2) off of the rotor.
  7. Remove the C-clamp (3) from the brake caliper.

    8. Object Number: 176946 Size: SH
  8. Remove the upper caliper bolt (2).
  9. Rotate the brake caliper (3) down in order to access the brake pads. Do not remove the brake caliper from the brake caliper bracket (1).

    10. Object Number: 176945 Size: SH
  10. Remove the brake pads (9 and 10) from the caliper bracket (12).
  11. Remove the brake pad retainers (11) from the caliper bracket (12).

    12. Important: Insert a block of wood or the old brake pad brake between the C-clamp and the brake caliper piston in order to prevent damage to the brake caliper piston and the brake caliper piston boot.

  12. Install a C-clamp over the brake caliper and against the block of wood or the old brake pad.
  13. Tighten the C-clamp until the brake caliper piston pushes completely into the brake caliper bore.
  14. Remove the C-clamp from the brake caliper.

    15. Object Number: 344219 Size: SH
  15. Inspect the brake caliper bolt boots (4) for the following conditions:
    16. • Cuts
    • Tears
    • Deterioration
    •  Replace the brake caliper bolt boots if damage exists. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
  16. Inspect the brake caliper piston boot for the following conditions:
    17. • Cuts
    • Tears
    • Deterioration
    •  Replace the brake caliper piston boot if damage exists. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
  17. Inspect the brake caliper bolts for corrosion or damage. If corrosion exists, use new components (including bushings) when installing the brake caliper. Do not attempt to polish away the corrosion.

Installation Procedure

    Important: Use denatured alcohol to clean the outside surface of caliper boot before installing new brake pads.

  1. If you are installing new brake pads, use a C-clamp in order to compress the piston to the bottom of the caliper bore. Use the old brake pad, a metal plate or a wooden block across the face of the piston in order to protect the piston and the caliper boot.

    2. Object Number: 177028 Size: SH

    Important: Use a small flat-bladed tool and lift the inner edge caliper boot next to the piston to release any trapped air.

  2. Ensure that the piston boot is below the level of the piston face.

    3. Object Number: 176945 Size: SH
  3. Install the two brake pad retainers (11) to the caliper bracket (12).

    4. Important: Ensure that the wear sensor is positioned at the leading edge (downward) of the outer pad during forward wheel rotation.

  4. Install the brake pads (9 and 10) over the brake pad retainers (11) and onto the caliper bracket (12).

    5. Notice: Use care to avoid damaging pin boot when rotating caliper.


    Object Number: 176946 Size: SH
  5. Swing the caliper (3) upward in position around the pads.
  6. Lubricate the bolt (2) and the bolt boot using silicone grease.

    7. 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.

  7. Install the upper caliper bolt.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the caliper bolt to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

  8. Remove the wheel nuts securing the rotor to the hub and bearing.
  9. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  10. Lower the vehicle.
  11. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.

    12. Caution: Do not move the vehicle until a firm brake pedal is obtained. Failure to obtain a firm pedal before moving vehicle may result in personal injury.

  12. Pump the brake pedal (3/4 of a full stroke) as many times as necessary to obtain a firm brake pedal.
  13. Burnish the pads and the rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .