GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement Single Piston Caliper

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 139  Size: SH
  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 suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  6. Compress the front caliper piston.
  7. 6.1. Install a large C-clamp over the top of the caliper housing and against the back of the outboard pad
    6.2. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston pushes into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper of the rotor.
    6.3. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

    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.

  8. Remove the caliper from the mounting bracket and support the caliper with heavy mechanics wire or equivalent. DO NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement .

  9. Object Number: 140  Size: SH
  10. Remove the inboard lining from the caliper.
  11. Remove the retainer spring from the inboard brake lining.
  12. Remove the outboard lining from the caliper.

Installation Procedure

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

  1. Install the outboard lining.

  2. Object Number: 140  Size: SH
  3. Install the retainer spring on the inboard brake lining.
  4. Install inboard lining in the caliper.
  5. Notice: Make sure the brake hose is not twisted or kinked after installation. Damage to the hose could result.

  6. Install the caliper. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement .
  7. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  8. Lower the vehicle.
  9. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.
  10. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  11. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 7-8 until a firm brake pedal is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  12. Fill the brake master cylinder to the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  13. Burnish the new brake pads. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .

Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement Dual Piston Caliper

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 355004  Size: SH
  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 suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  6. Compress the front caliper piston.
  7. 6.1. Install a large C-clamp over the top of the caliper housing and against the back of the outboard pad
    6.2. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston pushes into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper of the rotor.
    6.3. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.
  8. Remove the caliper from the mounting bracket and support the caliper with heavy mechanics wire or equivalent. DO NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement .
  9. Remove the pads from the caliper bracket.

Installation Procedure

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

  1. Install the pads to the caliper bracket.
  2. Verify that all of the wear sensors are in place.

  3. Object Number: 355004  Size: SH

    Notice: Make sure the brake hose is not twisted or kinked after installation. Damage to the hose could result.

  4. Install the caliper. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement .
  5. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  6. Lower the vehicle.
  7. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.
  8. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  9. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 6-7 until a firm brake pedal is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  10. Fill the brake master cylinder to the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  11. Burnish the new brake pads. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .