GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  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 reservoir before proceeding.
  3. 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.

  4. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  6. Hand tighten two wheel lug nuts to retain the rotor to the hub.
  7. Important: It is not necessary to disconnect the brake hose from the caliper when replacing brake pads.

  8. Remove the brake caliper. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement .

  9. Object Number: 497759  Size: SH
  10. Remove the front brake pads from the caliper bracket.

  11. Object Number: 497762  Size: SH
  12. Remove the retainer slides from the caliper bracket.

  13. Object Number: 177036  Size: SH
  14. Inspect the following parts for cuts, tears, or deterioration. Replace any damaged parts:
  15. • The disc brake mounting and hardware. Refer to Front Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection .
    • The caliper dust boot. Refer to Brake Caliper Inspection .
  16. Inspect the caliper bolts (2) and pins for corrosion or damage. Do not attempt to polish away corrosion. If corrosion is found, use new parts, including bushings, when installing the caliper.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 482002  Size: SH
  1. Bottom the piston into the caliper bore. Use an old brake pad or wooden block (2) across the face of the piston. Do not damage the piston or the caliper boot.

  2. Object Number: 497762  Size: SH
  3. Install the retainer slides to the caliper bracket.

  4. Object Number: 497759  Size: SH

    Important: When installing front brake pads, the pad with the wear indicator must be installed in the inboard position (against the piston) in the brake caliper. When properly installed, the wear indicator will point upward with the caliper installed on the car. If the pad with the wear indicator is installed in the outboard position in the caliper, interference between the spare wheel and the brake caliper may occur if the spare is installed, and premature front brake lining wear may result.

  5. Install the front pads to the caliper bracket.
  6. Install the caliper. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement .
  7. Remove the two hand tightened wheel lug nuts that retained the rotor to the hub.
  8. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  9. Lower the vehicle.
  10. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.
  11. Slowly release the brake pedal.
  12. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 8 and 9 until a firm brake pedal is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
  13. Fill the master cylinder reservoir to the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.
  14. Burnish the pads and rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing .