GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

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

Caution: 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.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Note: 

       • DO NOT use any air tools to remove or install the guide pin bolts. Use hand tools ONLY.
       • Install an open end wrench to hold the caliper guide pin in line with the brake caliper while removing or installing the caliper guide pin bolt. DO NOT allow the open end wrench to come in contact with the brake caliper. Allowing the open end wrench to come in contact with the brake caliper will cause a pulsation when the brakes are applied.


    Object Number: 1873951  Size: SH
  4. Remove the brake caliper guide pin bolts (1).
  5. Hold the brake caliper guide pins stationary when removing the guide pin bolts.

  6. Without disconnecting the brake caliper hose, remove the brake caliper and support with heavy mechanics wire or equivalent.
  7. Note: The guide pins are not interchangeable. Note the location of the guide pins.


    Object Number: 1873952  Size: SH
  8. Remove the upper guide pin (1) and seal.
  9. Remove the lower guide pin (2) and seal.

Installation Procedure

    Note: The guide pins are not interchangeable. Note the location of the guide pins.


    Object Number: 1873952  Size: SH
  1. Install the brake caliper guide pin seals to the caliper bracket.
  2. Apply a light coat of high temperature silicone brake lubricant to the brake caliper guide pins.
  3. Install the upper guide pin (1).
  4. Ensure the lip of the seal is fully seated in the groove of the brake caliper guide pin.

  5. Install the lower guide pin (2).
  6. Ensure the lip of the seal is fully seated in the groove of the brake caliper guide pin.

    Note: 

       • DO NOT use any air tools to remove or install the guide pin bolts. Use hand tools ONLY.
       • Install an open end wrench to hold the caliper guide pin in line with the brake caliper while removing or installing the caliper guide pin bolt. DO NOT allow the open end wrench to come in contact with the brake caliper. Allowing the open end wrench to come in contact with the brake caliper will cause a pulsation when the brakes are applied.


    Object Number: 1873951  Size: SH
  7. Position the brake caliper to the bracket.
  8. Note: If reusing the brake caliper guide pin bolts, the threads of the brake caliper guide pin bolt and the threads of the guide pin must be free of threadlocker residue and debris prior to the application of threadlocker to ensure proper adhesion and fastener retention.

  9. If reusing the brake caliper guide pin bolt, prepare the guide pin bolt and the guide pin as follows:
  10. • Thoroughly clean the threadlocker residue from the guide pin bolt threads with denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
    • Thoroughly clean the threadlocker residue from the guide pin threads with denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
  11. Apply high-temperature, high-strength threadlocker to 2/3 of the threaded length of the brake caliper guide pin bolt.
  12. Ensure there are no gaps in the threadlocker along the length of the filled area of the guide pin bolt.

  13. Allow the threadlocker to cure approximately 10 minutes before installing the guide pin bolts.
  14. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  15. Install the brake caliper guide pin bolts (1) and tighten to 44 N·m (32 lb ft).
  16. Hold the brake caliper guide pins stationary when installing the guide pin bolts.

  17. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  18. Lower the vehicle.