GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2004 🢒 Sonoma Pickup - 2WD 🢒 Brakes 🢒 Hydraulic Brakes 🢒 Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement

Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement Single Piston Caliper

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.


    Object Number: 787456 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. Object Number: 787455 Size: SH
  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 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. Important: The following service procedure is for the vehicles that have had the brake rotor retainers removed.

  6. Install and hand tighten a wheel lug nut to hold the brake rotor in place.

    7. Object Number: 127 Size: SH
  7. Compress the front caliper piston.
    8. 7.1. Install a large C-clamp over the top of the brake caliper housing and against the back of the outboard pad.
    7.2. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston is fully seated in the caliper bore.
    7.3. Remove the C-clamp from the brake caliper.

    Notice: Refer to Brake Caliper Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 139 Size: SH

    Important: DO NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper.

  8. Remove the brake caliper assembly from the mounting bracket. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement .
  9. Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanics wire or equivalent.

    10. Object Number: 140 Size: SH
  10. Remove the inboard brake pad.
  11. Remove the retainer spring.
  12. Remove the outboard brake pad.
  13. Inspect the disc brake mounting and hardware. Refer to Front Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection .
  14. Inspect the disc brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Inspection .
  15. Inspect the caliper bolts for corrosion or damage. Do not attempt to polish away any corrosion. If corrosion is found, use new parts, including bushings, when installing the caliper.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 140 Size: SH

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

  1. Install the outboard lining.
  2. Install the retainer spring on the inboard brake lining.
  3. Install inboard lining in the caliper.

    4. Notice: Refer to Installing Hoses without Twists or Bends Notice in the Preface section.

  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. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  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 .