GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

The GM replacement brake lining material is recommended for all GM vehicles. This is done in order to maintain the balance between front and rear brake performance. GM replacement parts have been carefully selected in order to provide the proper brake balance for purposes of both stopping distance and controllability over the full range of operation conditions. Installation of the front or rear brake lining material with performance different from that of the GM replacement parts recommended for this vehicle may change the intended brake balance of this vehicle.


    Object Number: 142234  Size: SH
  1. Remove 2/3 of the brake fluid from the master cylinder.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Mark (index) the relationship of the wheel to the hub.
  4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  5. Install 2 wheel nuts in order to retain the rotor.
  6. In order to push the piston into the caliper bore and provide clearance between the pads and the rotor, complete the following steps:
  7. 6.1. Install a large C-clamp over the top of the caliper housing and against the back of the outboard pad.
    6.2. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston pushes into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper off the rotor.

    Object Number: 142240  Size: SH
  8. Remove the caliper bolts (1, 4).

  9. Object Number: 142244  Size: SH
  10. Remove the caliper (2) from the knuckle. Suspend the caliper from the strut using a wire hook (1).
  11. Remove the pads from the caliper (2).
  12. Inspect the caliper bolts for corrosion or damage. Use new parts, including bushings, when installing the caliper if any corrosion is found. Do not attempt to polish away corrosion.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 482002  Size: SH

    Important: Before installing new brake pads, wipe the outside surface of the caliper boot clean. Use denatured alcohol.

  1. Bottom the piston into the caliper bore. If installing new brake pads, use a C-clamp (2) in order to bottom the piston. Use a metal plate or wooden block across the face of the piston. Do not damage the piston or the caliper boot.

  2. Object Number: 142244  Size: SH

    Important: Lift the inner-edge caliper boot next to the piston. Press out any trapped air. The boot must lay flat below the level of the piston face.

    Important: The wear sensor is on the outside pad. The sensor is positioned at the leading edge (upward) of the pad during forward wheel rotation.

  3. Install the pads to the caliper (2).
  4. Install the caliper (2) to the knuckle.

  5. Object Number: 142240  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.

  6. Install the caliper bolts (1, 4).
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the caliper bolts to 51 N·m (38 lb ft).

  8. Remove the wheel nuts securing the rotor to the hub.
  9. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  10. Align the index marks on the wheel and the hub.

  11. Lower the vehicle.
  12. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  13. Apply approximately 778 N (175 lb) of force to the brake pedal 3 times in order to seat the pads.
  14. Burnish the pads and the rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .