Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Pontiac G5 and 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Remove the brake caliper from the brake caliper mounting bracket and support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic's wire, or equivalent. Do NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement .
- Remove the brake pads from the brake caliper bracket.
- Remove the brake pad retainers (1) from the brake caliper bracket.
- If reusing the bracket, thoroughly clean the pad hardware mating surfaces of the caliper bracket (2), of any debris and corrosion.
- Inspect the disc brake pad retainers (1) for the following:
- Bent mounting tabs
- Excessive corrosion
- Looseness at the brake caliper mounting bracket
- Looseness at the disc brake pads
- If any of the conditions listed are found, the disc brake pad retainers require replacement.
- Remove the brake caliper mounting bracket bolts (1).
- Remove the brake caliper bracket from the rear axle.
- Inspect the caliper bracket. If the brake caliper bracket is bent, cracked, or damaged, it requires replacement.
- Inspect the brake caliper guide pins (1, 4) for freedom of movement, and inspect the condition of the guide pin boots (2). 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.