Removal Procedure

Use GM replacement brake lining material or equivalent for all GM vehicles in order to maintain the balance between front and rear brake performance. GM replacement brake parts have been carefully selected in order to provide the proper brake balance for stopping and control over a full range of operation conditions. Installation of front or rear brake lining material not recommended for this vehicle may change the intended brake balance.

1. Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
2. If the brake fluid level is midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, then 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, then remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
4. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
5. Install two wheel nuts in order to secure the rotor.
Fig 1: Compressing Piston Into Caliper Bore
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Install a C-clamp (2) over the top of the brake caliper and against the back of the outboard brake pad.
7. Tighten the C-clamp (2) until the brake caliper piston pushes into the brake caliper bore enough to slide the brake caliper (1) off of the rotor.
8. Remove the C-clamp (2) from the brake caliper.
Fig 2: View Of Lower Brake Caliper Pin Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. Remove the lower brake caliper guide point.
Fig 3: Locating Brake Caliper Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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.
10. Rotate the brake caliper (2) upward in order to access the brake pads.
11. Remove the brake pads (5) from the brake caliper bracket (3).
12. Remove the brake pad retainers (4) from the brake caliper bracket (3).
Fig 4: Pushing In Brake Caliper Piston
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: Insert a block of wood or the old brake pad brake between the C-clamp and the brake caliper piston in order to prevent damage to the brake caliper piston and the brake caliper piston boot.
13. Install a C-clamp over the brake caliper and against the block of wood or the old brake pad.
14. Tighten the C-clamp until the brake caliper piston pushes completely into the brake caliper bore.
15. Remove the C-clamp from the brake caliper.
Fig 5: View Of Caliper, Pin, Boots & Caliper Mounting Bracket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
16. Inspect the brake caliper guide pin boots (4) for the following conditions:
    • Cuts
    • Tears
    • Deterioration

      Replace the brake caliper guide pin boots if damage exists. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .

Fig 6: Inspecting Brake Caliper Piston Dust Boot
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
17. Inspect the brake caliper piston boot (1) for the following conditions:
    • Cuts
    • Tears
    • Leaking
    • Deterioration

      Replace the brake caliper piston boot if damage exists. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Overhaul .

18. Inspect the brake caliper guide pins for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is found, use new parts, including bushings, when installing the brake caliper. Do not attempt to polish away corrosion.