Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder auxiliary reservoir.
- 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.
- 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.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
- Install and firmly hand tighten 2 wheel nuts to opposite wheel studs in order to retain the rotor to the hub.
- 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 outboard brake pad.
- Tighten the C-clamp evenly until the caliper piston is compressed into the caliper bore enough to allow the caliper to slide past the brake rotor.
- Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.
- Remove the brake caliper lower guide pin bolt.
- Without disconnecting the hydraulic brake flexible hose, pivot the caliper upward and secure the caliper with heavy mechanics wire, or equivalent.
- Remove the brake pads from the caliper mounting bracket.
- Remove the brake pad retainers from the caliper bracket.
- Thoroughly clean the brake pad hardware mating surfaces of the caliper bracket, of any debris and corrosion.
- Inspect the brake caliper guide pins for freedom of movement, and inspect the condition of the guide pin boots. Move the guide pins inboard and outboard within the bracket bores, without disengaging the slides from the boots, and observe for the following:
- Restricted caliper guide pin movement
- Looseness in the brake caliper mounting bracket
- Seized or binding caliper guide pins
- Split or torn boots
- If any of the conditions listed are found, the brake caliper guide pins and/or boots require replacement.
NOTE:
Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the flexible brake hose to bear the weight of the caliper, which may cause damage to the brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.