GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Front Brake Caliper Replacement RWD

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution in the Preface section.

Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Caution in the Preface section.

Notice: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Notice in the Preface section.

  1. Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
  2. If the brake fluid level is midway between the maximum full point and the minimum allowable level, no brake fluid needs to be removed from the reservoir before proceeding.
  3. If the brake fluid level is higher than midway between the maximum full point and the minimum allowable level, remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
  4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  6. Install a C-clamp against the outer brake pad and the rear of the brake caliper body.
  7. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the brake caliper pistons are compressed into the brake caliper bores.

  8. Object Number: 1969851  Size: SH
  9. Using a backup wrench on the brake caliper guide pin, remove the brake caliper guide pin bolts (1).

  10. Object Number: 1969869  Size: SH
  11. Remove the brake hose fitting bolt (1).
  12. Remove the brake hose fitting gaskets (2) and the brake hose (3).
  13. Discard the brake hose fitting gaskets.


    Object Number: 1969871  Size: SH
  14. Remove the brake caliper (1).

Installation Procedure

  1. Inspect the brake caliper guide pins, seals and brake pad springs for damage and/or corrosion. Refer to Front Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection.

  2. Object Number: 1969871  Size: SH
  3. Install the brake caliper (1).
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1969869  Size: SH
  5. Assemble the brake hose fitting bolt (1) and 2 new brake hose fitting gaskets (2) to the brake hose (3).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 49 N·m (36 lb ft).

    Important: If reusing the brake caliper guide pin bolts, the threads of the brake caliper guide pin bolts and the threads of the guide pins must be free of residue and debris prior to application of threadlocker in order to ensure proper adhesion and fastener retention.

  7. If reusing the caliper pin bolts, prepare the bolts and the guide pins for assembly:
  8. • Thoroughly clean the residue from the guide pin bolt threads by using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
    • Thoroughly clean the residue from the guide pin threads by using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
  9. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488), or equivalent to 2/3 of the threaded length of the brake caliper guide pin bolts. Ensure there are no gaps in the threadlocker along the length of the filled area of the bolts.
  10. Allow the threadlocker to cure approximately 10 minutes before installation.

  11. Object Number: 1969851  Size: SH
  12. Using a backup wrench on the brake caliper guide pin, install the brake caliper guide pin bolts (1).
  13. Tighten

        • For JE5, tighten the bolts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).
        •  For J55, tighten the bolts to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).
  14. Bleed the hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding.
  15. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  16. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately  2/3 of its travel distance.
  17. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  18. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 10 and 11 until a firm brake pedal apply is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  19. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling.

Front Brake Caliper Replacement AWD

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution in the Preface section.

Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Caution in the Preface section.

Notice: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Notice in the Preface section.

  1. Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
  2. If the brake fluid level is midway between the maximum full point and the minimum allowable level, no brake fluid needs to be removed from the reservoir before proceeding.
  3. If the brake fluid level is higher than midway between the maximum full point and the minimum allowable level, remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
  4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  6. Install a C-clamp against the outer brake pad and the rear of the brake caliper body.
  7. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the brake caliper pistons are compressed into the brake caliper bores.

  8. Object Number: 1969908  Size: SH
  9. Using a backup wrench on the brake caliper guide pin, remove the brake caliper guide pin bolts (1).

  10. Object Number: 1969922  Size: SH
  11. Remove the brake hose fitting bolt (1).
  12. Remove the brake hose fitting gaskets (2) and the brake hose (3).
  13. Discard the brake hose fitting gaskets.


    Object Number: 1969924  Size: SH
  14. Remove the brake caliper (1).

Installation Procedure

  1. Inspect the brake caliper guide pins, seals and brake pad springs for damage and/or corrosion. Refer to Front Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection.

  2. Object Number: 1969924  Size: SH
  3. Install the brake caliper (1).

  4. Object Number: 1969922  Size: SH
  5. Assemble the brake hose fitting bolt (1) and 2 new brake hose fitting gaskets (2) to the brake hose (3).
  6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  7. Install the brake hose assembly to the caliper.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 49 N·m (36 lb ft).

    Important: If reusing the brake caliper guide pin bolts, the threads of the brake caliper guide pin bolts and the threads of the guide pins must be free of residue and debris prior to application of threadlocker in order to ensure proper adhesion and fastener retention.

  9. If reusing the caliper pin bolts, prepare the bolts and the guide pins for assembly:
  10. • Thoroughly clean the residue from the guide pin bolt threads by using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
    • Thoroughly clean the residue from the guide pin threads by using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
  11. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488), or equivalent to 2/3 of the threaded length of the brake caliper guide pin bolts. Ensure there are no gaps in the threadlocker along the length of the filled area of the bolts.
  12. Allow the threadlocker to cure approximately 10 minutes before installation.

  13. Object Number: 1969908  Size: SH
  14. Using a backup wrench on the brake caliper guide pin, install the brake caliper guide pin bolts (1).
  15. Tighten

        • For JE5, tighten the bolts to 27N·m (20lb ft).
        • For J55, tighten the bolts to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).
  16. Bleed the hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding.
  17. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  18. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately  2/3 of its travel distance.
  19. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  20. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 11 and 12 until a firm brake pedal apply is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  21. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling.