GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2008 🢒 SLS 🢒 Preface 🢒 Cautions and Notices 🢒 Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution 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, then 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, then remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
  4. Raise and suitably 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. Object Number: 808146 Size: SH
  6. Install a large C-clamp, over the body of the brake caliper with the C-clamp ends against the rear of the caliper body and against the outer brake pad.
  7. Tighten the C-clamp evenly until the caliper pistons are compressed into the caliper bores enough to allow the caliper to slide past the brake rotor.
  8. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

    9. Object Number: 756418 Size: SH
  9. To loosen the brake caliper lower pin bolt, hold the brake caliper guide pin with a wrench.
  10. Remove the brake caliper pin bolts.

    11. Notice: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the flexible brake hose to bear the weight of the caliper, which may cause damage to the brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.

  11. Pivot the brake caliper body (1) upward and secure the caliper out of the way with heavy mechanic's wire or appropriate. Ensure that there is no tension on the hydraulic brake flexible hose. Do NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper.

    12. Object Number: 756426 Size: SH
  12. Remove the brake pads (1) from the caliper bracket.
  13. Remove and inspect the brake pads retainers from the caliper bracket.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1201185 Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Ensure that the caliper guide pin boots (2) are fully seated to the caliper guide pin retaining seat (3) of the caliper pin.
       • Ensure that the caliper guide pin boots (2) are fully seated to the caliper boot seal retaining seat (1) of the brake caliper mounting bracket.

  1. Inspect the brake caliper guide pin bolts. If damaged or corroded replace the brake caliper guide bolts.
  2. Inspect the brake caliper guide pins. If damaged or corroded, replace the brake caliper guide pin. Do not attempt to clean away any corrosion. Refer to Front Disc Brake Hardware Replacement .
  3. Inspect the brake caliper guide pin boots (2) for cuts, tears, or deterioration. If damaged, replace the brake caliper guide pin boots. Refer to Front Disc Brake Hardware Replacement .
  4. Carefully pull outward on the caliper guide pin (3) to ensure that the caliper guide pin retaining seat is fully seated to the caliper guide pin boot (2).
  5. Inspect the brake caliper piston boot for deterioration. Replace if damaged. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul .

    6. Object Number: 728143 Size: SH
  6. Install a large C-clamp (1) over the body of the brake caliper (3) with the C-clamp ends against the rear of the caliper body and against an old inboard brake pad (2) or a wood block installed against the caliper piston.
  7. Tighten the C-clamp (1) evenly until the caliper pistons are compressed completely into the caliper bores.
  8. Remove the C-clamp and the old brake pads or wood block from the caliper.

    9. Object Number: 756426 Size: SH
  9. Install the brake pads retainers to the caliper bracket.
  10. Install the brake pads (1) to the caliper bracket.
  11. Pivot the brake caliper (1) downward, over the brake pads and into the caliper bracket.

    12. Important: If reusing the lower caliper pin bolt, the threads of the lower caliper pin bolt and the threads of the caliper bracket mounting holes must be free of residue and debris prior to application of threadlocker in order to ensure proper adhesion and fastener retention.

  12. If reusing the caliper pin bolts, prepared the bolt and the threaded hole for assembly:
    13. • Thoroughly clean the residue from the bolt threads by using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
    • Thoroughly clean residue from the threaded holes using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
  13. Apply threadlocker SGM P/N 89021297, or equivalent to 2/3 of the threaded length of the lower caliper pin bolt. Ensure that there are no gaps in the threadlocker along the length of the filled area of the bolt.
  14. Allow the threadlocker to cure approximately 10 minutes before installation.
  15. Apply a thin coat of Niglube® SGM P/N 18046532 grease or equivalent to the front brake caliper guide pin.

    16. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  16. Install the lower brake caliper pin bolt.

    17. Tighten
    Hold the lower brake caliper guide pin with a wrench and tighten the lower brake caliper pin bolt to 34 N·m (25 lb ft).

  17. Install the tire and the wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  18. Lower the vehicle.
  19. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.
  20. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  21. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 19-20 until a firm brake pedal apply is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  22. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling .
  23. Burnish the brake pads and the rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .