GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Rear Brake Caliper Replacement Export

Removal Procedure

  1. Use a suction gun in order to remove and DISCARD approximately 33 percent (1/3) 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. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Install two nuts to retain the rotor to the hub.

  5. Object Number: 176947  Size: SH
  6. Install a large C-clamp (3) over the top of the brake caliper and against the back of the outboard brake pad.
  7. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston is pushed into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper off the rotor.
  8. If the brake caliper is going to be removed from the vehicle for unit repair (overhaul) or replacement, proceed to Step 8. If the brake caliper is not being replaced or overhauled, proceed to Step 13.

  9. Object Number: 176035  Size: SH
  10. Remove the brake hose bolt (1).
  11. Remove the brake hose (2) from the brake caliper.
  12. Remove and discard the two copper brake hose gaskets (3). These gaskets may be stuck to the brake caliper and/or the brake hose end.
  13. Plug the openings in the brake caliper and the brake hose in order to prevent brake fluid loss and contamination.
  14. Clean off any dirt or corrosion on the brake caliper near the brake hose fitting.

  15. Object Number: 176945  Size: SH
  16. Remove the brake caliper bolts (1 and 3).
  17. Notice: Do not allow calipers to hang from the flexible hoses. Doing so can damage the hoses.

  18. Remove the brake caliper (15) from the brake caliper bracket (12).
  19. Use a strap or heavy gage wire in order to support the brake caliper.
  20. Inspect the brake caliper piston boot (8) for the following conditions:
  21. • Cuts
    • Tears
    • Deterioration
    • Replace the brake caliper piston boot if damage exists. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul .

    Object Number: 344219  Size: SH
  22. Inspect the brake caliper bolt boots (4) for the following conditions:
  23. • Cuts
    • Tears
    • Deterioration
    • Replace the brake caliper bolt boots if damage exists. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
  24. Inspect the caliper bolts for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is found on the brake caliper bolt shaft, replace the brake caliper bolt, replace the brake caliper bolt bushing, and replace the brake caliper bolt boot. Do not attempt to polish away the corrosion.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 344209  Size: SH
  1. Ensure that the caliper bolt bushings (4) and the caliper bolt boots (3) are properly installed.

  2. Object Number: 180238  Size: SH
  3. Install the brake caliper (1) to the brake caliper bracket (2).

  4. Object Number: 344219  Size: SH
  5. Use silicone grease to lubricate the brake caliper bolt shaft. Do not lubricate the threads.
  6. Use silicone grease to lubricate the brake caliper bolt boots (4) in the brake caliper bracket (3).
  7. 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.

  8. Install the brake caliper bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the brake caliper bolts to 43 N·m (32 lb ft).

  10. Use a flat-bladed tool in order to install the brake caliper bracket boot over the shoulder of the brake caliper bolt.
  11. Remove the plugs in the brake hose end.

  12. Object Number: 176035  Size: SH

    Important: Install NEW copper brake hose gaskets (3).

  13. Assemble the brake hose bolt (1) and the NEW copper brake hose gaskets (3) to the brake hose (2).
  14. Install the brake hose bolt to the brake caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
  15. Remove the nuts securing the rotor to the hub.
  16. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  17. Lower the vehicle.
  18. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling in Hydraulic Brakes.

  19. Object Number: 368812  Size: SH
  20. Bleed the brake caliper at the brake caliper bleeder screw. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  21. Pump the brake pedal (3/4 of a full stroke) as many times as necessary to obtain a firm brake pedal.
  22. Apply approximately 778 N·m (175 lb ft) of force to the brake pedal for ten seconds.
  23. Inspect the brake caliper and hydraulic brake system for brake fluid leaks.