GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

J 23738-A Hand Vacuum Pump

Removal Procedure

    Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning in the Preface section.

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

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

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

    Caution: Refer to Adding Fluid to the Brake System Caution in the Preface section.

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

    Danger: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.


    Object Number: 1943734  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir (1).
  2. • If the brake fluid level is midway between the maximum fill level and the minimum allowable level, no brake fluid needs to be removed from the master cylinder reservoir (2) before proceeding.

       Note: DO NOT completely empty the master cylinder reservoir (2) or remove any brake lines otherwise complete bleeding of the braking system will be necessary.

       Note: DO NOT re use the removed fluid.

    • If the brake fluid level is higher than midway between the maximum fill level and the minimum allowable level, syphon the brake fluid to the midway point using a hand vacuum pump (1) before proceeding.
  3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  4. Remove the rear wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

  5. Object Number: 1943476  Size: SH
  6. Install 2 wheel nuts (3) in reverse to opposite wheel studs to retain the brake disc to the hub.
  7. Note: Position the ends of the G-clamp against the rear of the brake caliper (1) and against the outboard brake pad (2).

  8. Install a large G-clamp over the body of the brake caliper (1).
  9. Tighten the G-clamp until the brake caliper piston bottoms out in the brake caliper bore.
  10. Remove the G-clamps from the brake caliper (1).
  11. Place a drain tray beneath the brake caliper assembly.

  12. Object Number: 1943471  Size: SH
  13. Remove the brake hose to brake caliper banjo retaining bolt (5).
  14. Note:  Install a rubber cap or plug on the exposed brake hose end in order to prevent fluid loss and contamination.

  15. Separate the brake hose to brake caliper banjo retaining bolt (5) from the brake hose (1).
  16. Note: Copper brake hose sealing washers become work hardened due to the heat generated with brake applications and will not reseal. Install NEW copper brake hose sealing washers (4) whenever the brake hose to brake caliper banjo retaining bolt (5) is removed.

  17. Remove and discard the 2 copper brake hose sealing washers (4). The copper brake hose sealing washers (4) may be stuck to the brake caliper (2) and/or the brake hose (1).
  18. Note: Bolts with micro-encapsulated thread sealant must be discarded after removal.

  19. Remove and discard the front brake caliper anchor plate to front steering knuckle retaining bolts (3).
  20. Remove the front brake caliper assembly (2) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning in the Preface section.

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

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

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

    Caution: Refer to Adding Fluid to the Brake System Caution in the Preface section.

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

    Danger: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.

  1. Clean the front brake caliper anchor plate mounting surfaces.
  2. Check the serviceability of the brake pads. Refer to Brake Pad Inspection.
  3. Note: The inner brake pads (4) are marked as left and right side only.

  4. Install the existing or NEW brake pads as required.
  5. Press the inner brake pad by using a suitable tool to make sure the brake caliper piston bottoms out in the brake caliper bore.
  6. Position the front brake caliper assembly over the brake disc.
  7. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1943471  Size: SH
  8. Install the NEW front brake caliper anchor plate to front steering knuckle retaining bolts (3) and tighten to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).
  9. Caution: Make sure the brake hose is not twisted or kinked after installation. Damage to the hose could result.

  10. Install the front brake hose (1) to brake caliper banjo retaining bolt (5) and NEW copper sealing washers (4) to the brake caliper (2). Tighten the banjo bolt to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).
  11. Bleed the braking system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding.
  12. Remove the 2 wheel nuts retaining the brake disc to the hub.
  13. Install the rear wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  14. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
  15. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.
  16. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  17. Repeat steps 12 and 13 until a firm brake pedal is obtained. This will correctly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  18. Fill the master cylinder reservoir to the correct level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling.
  19. Burnish (bed in) the brake pads and brake discs if required. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing.