GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2001 🢒 Grand Am 🢒 Brakes 🢒 Hydraulic Brakes 🢒 Rear Brake Caliper Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Hand tighten two wheel lug nuts in order to retain the rotor to the hub.

    4. Object Number: 479668 Size: SH
  4. Push the piston into the caliper bore in order to provide clearance between the linings and the rotor. Complete the following steps:
    5. 4.1. Install a large C-clamp (3) over the top of the caliper housing (1) and against the back of the outboard pad.
    4.2. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston is pushed into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper (1) off the rotor. Do not overtighten the C-clamp.

    Object Number: 581444 Size: SH
  5. Remove the brake hose bolt. Discard the gaskets (2).
  6. Plug the openings in the caliper housing and the hose fitting in order to prevent brake fluid loss and contamination.

    7. Object Number: 497735 Size: SH
  7. Remove the caliper bolts.

    8. Object Number: 176945 Size: SH
  8. Remove the caliper (15) from the caliper bracket (12).
  9. Inspect the caliper bolts (1, 3) for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is found, use new parts when installing the caliper. Do not attempt to polish away corrosion.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 357034 Size: SH
  1. Install the caliper to the caliper bracket.

    2. Object Number: 497735 Size: SH
  2. Lubricate the caliper bolts with GM P/N 18010908 high temperature silicone brake lubricant or equivalent. Do not lubricate the threads.

    3. 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.

  3. Install the caliper bolts. Ensure that the boot is securely in the groove of the caliper bolt.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the caliper bolts to 110 N·m(81 lb ft).


    Object Number: 581444 Size: SH
  4. Install new gaskets (2) and the brake hose bolt to the brake hose inlet fitting.
  5. Install the brake hose bolt and fitting to the caliper.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the brake hose bolt to 50 N·m(37 lb ft).

  6. Remove the two hand tightened wheel lug nuts retaining the rotor to the hub.
  7. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  8. Lower the vehicle.
  9. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  10. Bleed the entire brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  11. Inspect the hydraulic brake system for brake fluid leaks.