GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove one-third of the brake fluid from the master cylinder.
  2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Mark the relationship of the wheel to the hub and bearing.
  4. Remove the tires and the wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  5. Install two wheel nuts in order to retain the rotor.


    Object Number: 176945  Size: SH
  6. Push the piston (7) onto the caliper bore (2) in order to provide clearance between the linings and the rotor. Complete the following steps:
  7. • Install a large C-clamp over the top of the caliper housing (15) and against the back of the outboard pad (9).
    • Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston (7) is pushed into the caliper bore (2) enough in order to slide the caliper (15) off the rotor. Do not overtighten the C-clamp. Overtightening will deform the outboard shoe (9).
  8. Remove the hose bolt attaching the inlet fitting.
  9. Plug the openings in the caliper housing (15) and the pipe in order to prevent brake fluid loss and contamination.
  10. Remove the caliper bolts (1, 3).

  11. Object Number: 176946  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not allow calipers to hang from the flexible hoses. Doing so can damage the hoses.

  12. Remove the caliper housing (3) from the rotor (4) and the caliper bracket (1).
  13. Inspect the piston boots for the following conditions:
  14. • Cuts
    • Tears
    • Deterioration
    • Replace the piston boots if damage exists. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
  15. Inspect the caliper bracket boots for the following conditions:
  16. • Cuts
    • Tears
    • Deterioration
    • Replace the caliper bracket boots if damage exists. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
  17. Inspect the caliper bolts (2) for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is found, use new parts, including bushings, when installing caliper. Do not attempt to polish away corrosion.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 176946  Size: SH
  1. Install the caliper (3) over the rotor (4) and the caliper bracket (1). Ensure that the bushings are in place.

  2. Object Number: 176945  Size: SH
  3. Lubricate the caliper bolts (1, 3). Use silicone grease. Do not lubricate the threads.
  4. Lubricate the two rubber boots (13, 4) in the caliper bracket (12). Use silicone grease.
  5. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  6. Install the caliper bolts (1, 3). Use a screwdriver in order to push the boot over the shoulder of the caliper bolt. Ensure that the boot is securely in the groove of the caliper bolt.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the caliper bolts (1,3) to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).

    Important: Replace the copper gaskets.

  8. Install the brake hose bolt.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the brake hose bolt to 44 N·m (32 lb ft).

  10. Remove the wheel nuts securing the rotor to the hub and bearing.
  11. Install the tires and the wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  12. Align the previous marks on the wheel and the hub and bearing.

  13. Lower the vehicle.
  14. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  15. Bleed the entire brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  16. Apply the brake pedal approximately three times after bleeding, to seat the brake pads against the rotor.
  17. Inspect the hydraulic brake system for brake fluid leaks. Refer to Brake Fluid Leak in Hydraulic Brakes.