GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

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.

  1. Remove 2/3 of the brake fluid from the master cylinder.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Mark the relationship of the wheel to the axle flange.
  4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  5. Install 2 wheel nuts in order to retain the rotor.


    Object Number: 177027  Size: SH
  6. Compress the caliper piston enough for clearance. Use a C-clamp (2).

  7. Object Number: 479669  Size: SH
  8. Remove the caliper bolts (1).
  9. Important: It is not necessary to disconnect the brake hose from the caliper when replacing brake pads.

    Important: Do not let the caliper hang from the brake hose. Damage may occur. Suspend the caliper using a wire hook from the strut.

  10. Remove the caliper in order to access the pads.

  11. Object Number: 176945  Size: SH
  12. Remove the brake pads (9, 10) from the caliper bracket (12).
  13. Remove the 2 pad clips (11) from the caliper bracket (12).
  14. Inspect the caliper bracket boots (4, 13) for the following conditions:
  15. • Cuts
    • Tears
    • Deterioration
    •  Replace the bracket boots if damage exists. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement .
  16. Inspect the piston boot for the following conditions:
  17. • Cuts
    • Tears
    • Deterioration
    •  Replace the piston boot if damage exists. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .
  18. Inspect the caliper bolts for corrosion or damage. If corrosion exists, use new components (including bushings) when installing the caliper. Do not attempt to polish away the corrosion.

Installation Procedure

Important: Before installing new brake pads, wipe the outside surface of the caliper boot clean. Use denatured alcohol.


    Object Number: 479662  Size: SH
  1. Bottom the caliper piston into the caliper bore.
  2. Use a C-clamp (3) over the caliper housing. Tighten the clamp slowly to drive the piston into the caliper bore.

    Take care not to damage the piston or the caliper boot with the C-clamp.


    Object Number: 176021  Size: SH

    Important: Lift the inner edge caliper boot next to the piston. Press out any trapped air. The boot convolutions must lay flat below the level of the piston face.

  3. Install the pad clips (11) to the caliper bracket (12).
  4. Important: The wear sensor is on the outside pad (9). The sensor is positioned at the trailing edge (downward) of the pad during forward wheel rotation.

  5. Install the pads (9, 10) to the caliper bracket (12).
  6. Install the caliper (2) to the bracket (12).
  7. Lubricate the bolts (1, 3) and the bracket boots (4, 13) with silicone grease.
  8. 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.

  9. Install the caliper bolts (1, 3).
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the caliper bolts to 110 N·m(81 lb ft).

  11. Remove the wheel nuts securing the rotor to the hub.
  12. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  13. Align the index marks on the wheel and on the hub.

  14. Lower the vehicle.
  15. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  16. Apply approximately 778 N (175 lb) of force 3 times to the brake pedal in order to seat the pads against the rotor.
  17. Burnish the pads and the rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .