Brake Pads Replacement - Front
Brake Pads Replacement - Front
Removal Procedure
Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution in Service Precautions.
Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Caution in Service Precautions.
Use GM replacement brake lining material or equivalent for all GM vehicles in order to maintain the balance between front and rear brake performance. GM replacement brake parts have been carefully selected in order to provide the proper brake balance for stopping and control over a full range of operation conditions. Installation of front or rear brake lining material not recommended for this vehicle may change the intended brake balance.
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 the reservoir before proceeding. 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.
3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
4. Remove the tire and wheel.
5. Install two wheel nuts in order to secure the rotor.
6. Install a C-clamp (2) over the top of the brake caliper and against the back of the outboard brake pad.
7. Tighten the C-clamp (2) until the brake caliper piston pushes into the brake caliper bore enough to slide the brake caliper (1) off of the rotor.
8. Remove the C-clamp (2) from the brake caliper.
9. Remove the lower brake caliper guide point.
10. Notice: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic's wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the flexible brake hose to bear the weight of the caliper, which may cause damage to the brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.
Rotate the brake caliper (2) upward in order to access the brake pads.
11. Remove the brake pads (5) from the brake caliper bracket (3).
12. Remove the brake pad retainers (4) from the brake caliper bracket (3).
13. Important: Insert a block of wood or the old brake pad brake between the C-clamp and the brake caliper piston in order to prevent damage to the brake caliper piston and the brake caliper piston boot.
Install a C-clamp over the brake caliper and against the block of wood or the old brake pad.
14. Tighten the C-clamp until the brake caliper piston pushes completely into the brake caliper bore.
15. Remove the C-clamp from the brake caliper.
16. Inspect the brake caliper guide pin boots (4) for these conditions:
^ Cuts
^ Tears
^ Deterioration - Replace the brake caliper guide pin boots if damage exists.
17. Inspect the brake caliper piston boot (1) for these conditions:
^ Cuts
^ Tears
^ Leaking
^ Deterioration - Replace the brake caliper piston boot if damage exists.
18. Inspect the brake caliper guide pins for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is found, use new parts, including bushings, when installing the brake caliper. Do not attempt to polish away corrosion.
Installation Procedure
1. Important: Use denatured alcohol to clean the outside surface of caliper boot before installing new brake pads.
If you are installing new brake pads, use a C-clamp in order to compress the piston to the bottom of the caliper bore. Use the old brake pad, a metal plate or a wooden block across the face of the piston in order to protect the piston and the caliper boot.
2. Install the two brake pad retainers (4) to the caliper bracket (3).
3. Important: Ensure that the wear sensor is positioned at the trailing edge (upward) of the outer pad during forward wheel rotation.
Install the brake pads (5) over the brake pad retainers (4) and onto the caliper bracket (3).
4. Lubricate the brake caliper guide pin (1) and the guide pin boot with High Temperature Brake Silicone Lube, or equivalent.
5. Notice: Use care to avoid damaging pin boot when rotating caliper.
Pivot the caliper down onto the pads.
6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
Install the lower caliper guide pin.
^ Tighten the caliper guide pin to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).
7. Remove the two wheel nuts securing the rotor to the hub and bearing.
8. Install the tire and wheel.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with new clean brake fluid.
11. Pump the brake pedal 3/4 of a full stroke as many times as necessary to obtain a firm brake pedal.
12. Burnish the pads and the rotors.