FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Brake Caliper Replacement - Front (Single Piston)


Removal Procedure





1. Remove two-thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir.
2. Raise the vehicle and support the vehicle with proper safety stands. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
4. Position a C-clamp over the outer brake pad and the caliper.
4.1. Tighten the C-clamp until the piston bottoms in the caliper bore.
4.2. Remove the C-clamp.





5. Disconnect the brake hose from the caliper.
5.1. Disconnect the front brake hose fitting and the 2 gaskets.
5.2. Discard the gaskets.
5.3. Plug the hole in the caliper housing and in the brake hose fitting.





6. Remove the caliper mounting bolts.
7. Remove the caliper.
8. Remove the brake linings from the caliper. Refer to Brake Pads Replacement - Front (Single Piston Caliper) or Brake Pads Replacement - Front (Dual Piston Caliper).
9. Remove the caliper mounting bolt sleeves.
10. Remove the rubber O-rings and discard.

Inspection Procedure





1. Inspect the mounting bolts and sleeves for corrosion. Do not polish away any corrosion. Replace corroded mounting bolts and sleeves.
2. Inspect the brake hose fitting bolt. If the through-hole is blocked, remove the blockage or replace the bolt.
3. Inspect the linings for wear. Replace as necessary. Refer to Brake Pad Inspection.
4. Inspect the caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Inspection.

Installation Procedure

Caution: Do not move the vehicle until a firm brake pedal is obtained. Failure to obtain a firm pedal before moving vehicle may result In personal injury.





1. Lubricate the sleeves and new bushings with Delco Silicone Lube (GM P/N 18010909) or equivalent.
2. Install the new rubber O-ring bushings to the caliper.
3. Install the caliper mounting bolt sleeves.

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.

4. Install the brake linings to the caliper. Refer to Brake Pads Replacement - Front (Single Piston Caliper) or Brake Pads Replacement - Front (Dual Piston Caliper).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





5. Install the caliper and the two mounting bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the caliper mounting bolts to 51 Nm (38 lb ft).





6. Compress the lining ears to the caliper.

Notice: Make sure the brake hose is not twisted or kinked after installation. Damage to the hose could result.





7. Install the front brake hose fitting, the 2 new gaskets and the brake hose fitting bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the front brake hose bolt to 54 Nm (40 lb ft).

Important: If necessary, remove the front brake caliper and file the ends of the steering knuckle to obtain the proper clearance. If the total clearance exceeds the specified range, check the steering knuckle and front brake caliper for damage and replace as necessary.





8. Measure the clearance between the caliper and the steering knuckle.
8.1. Measure each end of the caliper individually.
8.2. Add the two measurements together. The total measurement should be 0.26-0.60 mm (0.010-0.024 inch).
9. Bleed the caliper. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
10. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
11. With the engine running, pump the brake pedal till the pedal feels firm.
12. Inspect the brake system for leaks.