GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
    • J 42450-A Wheel Hub Resufacing Kit
    • J 21177-A Drum to Brake Shoe Clearance Gage
    • J-46277 Rotor Removal Tool

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


    Object Number: 787456  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
  2. If the brake fluid 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
  4. If the brake fluid level is higher than midway between thew maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, using a appropriate tool, remove the brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
  5. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  6. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  7. Object Number: 127  Size: SH
  8. Compress the rear brake caliper piston.
  9. 6.1. Install a large C-clamp over the top of the brake caliper housing and against the back of the outboard brake pad.
    6.2. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston pushes into the brake caliper enough to slide the brake caliper off the rotor.
    6.3. Remove the C-clamp from the brake caliper.

    Object Number: 748570  Size: SH
  10. Remove the rear brake caliper mounting bracket.

  11. Object Number: 357057  Size: SH
  12. Remove the brake rotor retaining clips, if equipped.

  13. Object Number: 1471360  Size: SH
  14. If the brake rotor is stuck perform the following:
  15. 9.1. Assemble J-46277 toJ 2619-01 .
    9.2. Insert J-46277 between the rotor friction surfaces in the vent section of the rotor. DO NOT place the J-46277 on the rotor friction surface.
    9.3. Using the J-46277 andJ 2619-01 release the rotor from the hub assembly.

    Object Number: 357011  Size: SH

    Notice: Whenever the rotor has been separated from the axle flange, clean any rust or foreign material from the mating surface of the axle flange and brake rotor. Failure to do this may result in increased lateral runout of the rotor and brake pulsation.

    Important: If the brake rotor is not going to be replaced but just removed from the front hub to be refinished, mark the brake rotor left or right and relationship of the brake rotor and a wheel stud. In doing so, is will reduce the possibility of vibration in the brake system.

  16. Remove the brake rotor.

  17. Object Number: 409878  Size: SH
  18. Using the J 42450-A , clean the brake rotor to rear axle flange contact area.
  19. Refinish the rotor if necessary. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing .
  20. Inspect the park brake components. If any of the following conditions are found replace the affected parts.
  21. • Bent or broken hold down spring
    • Broken, cracked or worn brake shoe lining
    • Bent or damaged brake shoe
    • Worn, bent or damaged backing plate

Installation Procedure

  1. Clean the park brake shoes using denatured alcohol.
  2. Dry the park shoes using non-lubricated, filtered air.
  3. Lubricate the contact area between the park brake shoe and the backing plate with high temperature silicone brake lubricant.
  4. Important: It maybe necessary to readjust the park brake shoes to allow the brake rotor to be reinstalled.

  5. Adjust the park brake. Refer to Park Brake Adjustment in Park Brake.

  6. Object Number: 748573  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the rotor to axle flange relationships marks are aligned, if the brake rotor has been refinished, after the brake rotor is installed.

  7. Install the brake rotor by slowly turning the rotor while pushing the rotor on the axle flange.

  8. Object Number: 748570  Size: SH
  9. Install the rear brake caliper mounting bracket. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
  10. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Lower the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  12. Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir, if needed. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  13. Caution: Do not move the vehicle until a firm brake pedal is obtained. Failure to obtain a firm pedal before moving vehicle may result in personal injury.

  14. Pump the brake pedal slowly and firmly in order to seat the brake pads.
  15. Burnish replaced or refinished rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .