GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Brake Pads Replacement Front

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 451525  Size: SH
  1. Remove two-thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir.
  2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Remove front brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement .

  5. Object Number: 171937  Size: SH
  6. Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper mounting plate.
  7. Use a screwdriver if necessary to remove the pads from their installed position.

  8. Inspect the caliper guide pins for free movement in the caliper mounting plate.
  9. Inspect the caliper guide pin boots for proper seating in the retaining groove of the caliper guide pin and the rear caliper mounting plate.
  10. Replace the caliper guide pins and/or guide pin boots if any of the following conditions exist:
  11. • Excessive Corrosion
    • Excessive Wear
    • Visible Damage

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 171937  Size: SH
  1. Install the inner and outer pads into the caliper mounting plate. Ensure that the wear sensor is at the trailing edge of the outer brake pad when the wheel is rotating forward. If the wear sensor is not at the trailing edge, the outer brake pad is on the wrong side.
  2. Install the front brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement .

  3. Object Number: 63984  Size: SH

    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.

  4. Install the caliper mounting pin bolts.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the mounting pin bolts to 31 N·m (23 lb ft).

  6. With the engine running, pump the brake pedal slowly and firmly until the inner and outer brake pads are positioned against rotor (firm pedal).
  7. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  8. Lower the vehicle.
  9. Refill the master cylinder to the proper level with clean, fresh brake fluid.
  10. Inspect the hydraulic brake system for brake fluid leaks.
  11. Burnish the new pads. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .

Brake Pads Replacement Rear

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 451525  Size: SH
  1. Remove two-thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder.
  2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  4. Object Number: 465503  Size: SH
  5. Install two wheel nuts (1) in order to retain the rotor (2).

  6. Object Number: 181856  Size: SH
  7. Position a C-clamp (2) over the caliper housing (1).
  8. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston bottoms in the base of the brake caliper. Verify that one end of the C-clamp rests on the brake hose fitting bolt/screw and the other end rests against the outer pad.

  9. Object Number: 171937  Size: SH
  10. Remove the rear brake caliper from the mounting plate. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement . Ensure that weight of caliper is adequately supported.

  11. Object Number: 221494  Size: SH
  12. Remove the inner and outer brake pads (2) from the mounting plate (1).
  13. Clean all the residue from the shoe guide surfaces on the caliper mounting plate and the rear brake caliper.
  14. Inspect the caliper guide pins for free movement in the caliper mounting plate.
  15. Inspect the caliper guide pin boot for proper seating in the retaining groove of the guide pin and the caliper mounting plate. Replace the caliper guide pins or the guide pin boots, if corrosion or damage exists. Refer to Brake Caliper Overhaul .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 221494  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Install the inner pad with wear sensor near the piston.
       • Ensure that the wear sensor is on the leading edge of the inner pad during forward wheel rotation. If the wear sensor is not on the leading edge, use the other inner pad in the replacement kit.
       • Replace the inner and outer pads in axle sets only.

  1. Install new inner and outer pads (2) into mounting plate (1).

  2. Object Number: 171937  Size: SH
  3. Install the rear brake caliper to the mounting plate. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 465503  Size: SH
  5. Remove the wheel nuts (1) securing the rotor (2).
  6. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  7. Lower the vehicle.
  8. With engine running, pump brake pedal until brake pads are positioned against rotor (firm brake pedal).
  9. Verify that there are no leaks in the brake hydraulic system.
  10. Burnish the new pads. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .