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

Removal Procedure
  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. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .

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

  4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  5. Hand tighten a wheel lug nut to a wheel stud to secure the rotor to the hub.

    6. Object Number: 171943 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 outboard brake pad.
  7. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston is compressed into the caliper bore enough to allow the caliper to slide past the brake rotor.
  8. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

    9. Object Number: 63989 Size: SH
  9. Remove the brake caliper guide pin bolts.

    10. 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.

  10. Remove the brake caliper from the caliper bracket and support the caliper out of the way with heavy mechanic's wire or equivalent; ensure that there is no tension on the hydraulic brake flexible hose. Do NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper.
  11. Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket.
  12. Remove and inspect the brake pad retainers from the caliper bracket.

Installation Procedure
  1. Inspect the caliper slide boots for cuts, tears, or deterioration. If damaged, replace the slides and the boots. Refer to Rear Disc Brake Hardware Replacement .

    2. Object Number: 728143 Size: SH
  2. 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.
  3. Tighten the C-clamp (1) until the caliper piston is compressed completely into the caliper bore.
  4. Remove the C-clamp and the old brake pad or wood block from the caliper.

    5. Object Number: 63989 Size: SH
  5. Install the brake pad retainers to the caliper bracket.
  6. Install the brake pads to the caliper bracket. The brake pad wear sensor, mounted on the inboard brake pad, must be positioned so that it is in the leading bottom position during forward rotation of the brake rotor.
  7. Install the brake caliper to the caliper bracket.

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

  8. Install the brake caliper guide pin bolts.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the brake caliper guide pin bolts to 31 N·m (23 lb ft).

  9. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  10. Lower the vehicle.
  11. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.
  12. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  13. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 11-12 until a firm brake pedal apply is obtained; this will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  14. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling .
  15. Burnish the pads and rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .