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For 1990-2009 cars only

Front Brake Caliper Replacement L36

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.

Removal Procedure

  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 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. Install and hand tighten 2 wheel lug nuts to retain the rotor to the hub.

  7. Object Number: 105305  Size: SH
  8. Install a large C-clamp over the body of the brake caliper with the C-clamp ends against the rear of the caliper body and against the outer brake pad.
  9. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston is compressed into the caliper bore enough to allow the caliper to slide past the brake rotor.
  10. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

  11. Object Number: 420705  Size: SH
  12. Remove the brake hose to caliper bolt from the brake caliper.
  13. Remove and discard the 2 copper brake hose gaskets. These gaskets may be stuck to the brake caliper and/or the brake hose end.
  14. Plug the opening in the brake caliper and hose to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
  15. Important: The upper caliper pin bolt, has a bushing as part of the bolt. The lower caliper pin bolt, is of a solid design.


    Object Number: 793823  Size: SH
  16. Remove the caliper pin bolts (1). Note the location of the caliper pin bolts.
  17. Remove the caliper (2) from the caliper bracket (3).
  18. Inspect the caliper pin bolt boots in the caliper bracket for the following conditions:
  19. • Cuts
    • Tears
    • Deterioration
    • Replace any damaged caliper pin bolt boots. Refer to Front Disc Brake Hardware Replacement .

Installation Procedure

  1. If reusing the brake caliper pin bolts, wipe the old grease from the brake caliper pin bolts with a clean shop towel.
  2. Important: DO NOT apply lubricant to the brake pad hardware.

  3. Apply a thin coat of NIGLUBE® grease to the brake caliper pin bolts. It is not necessary to apply lubricant to the brake pad hardware or the threads of the caliper pin bolts.

  4. Object Number: 793823  Size: SH
  5. Install the brake caliper (2) over the brake pads into the brake caliper bracket (3).
  6. 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.

    Important: The upper caliper pin bolt has a bushing as part of the bolt. The lower caliper pin bolt is of a solid design.

  7. Install the caliper pin bolts (1).
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the brake caliper pin bolts to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).

    Important: Install NEW copper brake hose gaskets.

  9. Assemble the brake hose bolt and the NEW copper brake hose gaskets to the brake hose.

  10. Object Number: 420705  Size: SH
  11. Install the brake hose to caliper bolt to the brake caliper.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the brake hose to caliper bolt to 44 N·m (32 lb ft).

  13. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  14. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.
  15. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  16. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 8-9 until a firm brake pedal is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  17. Remove the 2 wheel lug nuts retaining the brake rotor to the hub.
  18. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  19. Lower the vehicle.

Front Brake Caliper Replacement LD8

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Caution in the Preface section.

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

Notice: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Notice in the Preface section.

  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. Object Number: 808146  Size: SH
  7. Install a large C-clamp over the body of the brake caliper with the C-clamp ends against the rear of the caliper body and against the outer brake pad.
  8. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston is compressed into the caliper bore enough to allow the caliper to slide past the brake rotor.
  9. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

  10. Object Number: 796147  Size: SH
  11. Remove the brake hose-to-caliper bolt attaching the brake hose to the brake caliper.
  12. Remove the brake hose from the brake caliper.
  13. Remove and discard the 2 copper brake hose gaskets. These gaskets may be stuck to the brake caliper and/or the brake hose end.
  14. Plug the opening in the brake caliper and the brake hose to prevent fluid loss and contamination.

  15. Object Number: 796146  Size: SH
  16. Remove the brake caliper pin bolts.
  17. Remove the brake caliper from the brake caliper bracket.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1201185  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Ensure that the caliper guide pin boots (2) are fully seated to the caliper guide pin retaining seat (3) of the caliper guide pin.
       • Ensure that the caliper guide pin boots (2) are fully seated to the caliper boot seal retaining seat (1) of the brake caliper mounting bracket.

  1. Inspect the caliper guide pin boots (2) for cuts, tears, or deterioration. If damaged, replace the slides and boots. Refer to Front Disc Brake Hardware Replacement .

  2. Object Number: 796146  Size: SH
  3. Install the brake caliper to the brake caliper bracket.
  4. Important: If reusing the brake caliper pin bolts, the threads of the caliper pin bolts and the threads of the caliper bracket mounting holes must be free of residue and debris prior to application of threadlocker in order to ensure proper adhesion and fastener retention.

  5. Prepare the bolts and the threaded holes for assembly:
  6. • Thoroughly clean the residue from the bolt threads by using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
    • Thoroughly clean the residue from the threaded holes by using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
  7. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) or equivalent, to 2/3 of the threaded length of the lower caliper bracket bolts. Ensure that there are no gaps in the threadlocker along the length of the filled area of the bolts.
  8. Allow the threadlocker to cure approximately 10 minutes before installation.
  9. Apply a thin coat of high temperature silicone brake lubricant to the brake caliper pin bolts.
  10. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  11. Install the brake caliper pin bolts.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the brake caliper pin bolts to 34 N·m (25 lb ft).


    Object Number: 796147  Size: SH
  13. Remove the plug from the brake caliper opening and the brake hose.
  14. Important: Install NEW copper brake hose gaskets.

  15. Assemble the NEW copper brake hose gaskets, and the brake caliper bolt to the brake hose.
  16. Install the brake hose and the brake caliper bolt to the brake caliper.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the brake hose to caliper bolt to 44 N·m (32 lb ft).

  18. Bleed the hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  19. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.
  20. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  21. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 11 and 12 until a firm brake pedal apply is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  22. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  23. Lower the vehicle.