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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2004 >> Impala Base, 3.8 K >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1128 (Disc Brake System) >> Repair Instructions >> Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement >> Removal Procedure

Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    WARNING:

    Refer to Brake Dust Warning .

    Fig 1: Supporting Brake Caliper With Heavy Mechanic's Wire
    GM1212960Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    CAUTION:

    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.

  1. Remove the brake caliper from the brake caliper mounting bracket and support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic's wire (1), or equivalent. Do NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement .
  2. Remove the brake pads (2) from the brake caliper bracket.
  3. Fig 2: View Of Brake Pad Retainers At Caliper Bracket
    GM891434Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  4. Remove the brake pad retainers (2) from the brake caliper bracket.
  5. If reusing the bracket, thoroughly clean the pad hardware mating surfaces (1) of the caliper bracket, of any debris and corrosion.
  6. Inspect the disc brake pad retainers (2) for the following:
    • Bent mounting tabs
    • Excessive corrosion
    • Looseness at the brake caliper mounting bracket
    • Looseness at the disc brake pads
  7. If any of the conditions listed are found, the disc brake pad retainers require replacement.
  8. Fig 3: Locating Front Brake Caliper Mounting Bracket Bolts
    GM890739Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  9. Remove the brake caliper mounting bracket bolts (1).
  10. Remove the brake caliper bracket from the steering knuckle.
  11. Fig 4: Exploded View Of Caliper Assembly
    GM1212693Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  12. Inspect the caliper bracket (5). If the brake caliper bracket (5) is bent, cracked, or damaged, it requires replacement.
  13. Inspect the brake caliper guide pins (2) for freedom of movement, and inspect the condition of the guide pin boots (4). Move the brake caliper guide pins (2) inboard and outboard within the brake caliper bracket (5), 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
  14. If any of the conditions listed are found, the brake caliper guide pins (2) and/or boots (4) require replacement.