Brake Caliper Replacement - Front
REMOVAL PROCEDURECAUTION: 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. Remove two-thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder.
2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
3. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
4. Install two nuts to retain the rotor to the hub.
5. Install a large C-clamp (2) over the top of the brake caliper and against the back of the outboard brake pad.
6. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston is pushed into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper off the rotor.
7. If the brake caliper is going to be removed from the vehicle for unit repair (overhaul) or replacement, go to Step 8 If the brake caliper is not being replaced or overhauled, go to Step 13.
8. Remove the brake hose bolt (1).
9. Remove the brake hose (2) from the brake caliper.
10. 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.
11. Plug the openings in the brake caliper and the brake hose in order to prevent brake fluid loss and contamination.
12. Clean off any dirt or corrosion on the brake caliper near the brake hose fitting.
13. Remove the brake caliper bolts (3).
NOTICE: Do not allow calipers to hang from the flexible hoses. Doing so can damage the hoses.
14. Remove the brake caliper from the brake caliper bracket.
15. Use a strap (1) or heavy gage wire in order to support the brake caliper (2).
16. Inspect the piston boot for the following conditions:
- Cuts
- Tears
- Deterioration
Replace the piston boot if damage exists. Refer to Brake Caliper Overhaul - Front.
17. Inspect the brake caliper bolt boots (4) for the following conditions:
- Cuts
- Tears
- Deterioration
Replace the bolt boots if damage exists. Refer to Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement- Front.
18. Inspect the caliper bolts for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is found on the brake caliper bolt shaft, replace the brake caliper bolt and the brake caliper bolt boot. Do not attempt to polish away the corrosion.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Ensure that the caliper bolt boots (3) are properly installed.
2. Install the caliper to the caliper bracket.
3. Use silicone grease (GM P/N 18010909 or equivalent) to lubricate the brake caliper bolt shaft. Do not lubricate the bolt threads.
4. Use silicone grease to lubricate the brake caliper bolt boots (4) in the caliper bracket (3).
NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
5. Install the brake caliper bolts. the brake caliper bolts to 85 Nm (63 ft. lbs.).
6. Use a flat-bladed tool in order to install the caliper bracket boot over the shoulder of the caliper bolt.
7. Remove the plugs in the brake hose end.
IMPORTANT: Install NEW copper brake hose gaskets (3).
8. Assemble the brake hose bolt (1) and the NEW copper brake hose gaskets (3) to the rake hose (2).
9. Install the brake hose bolt to the brake caliper. the brake hose bolt to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).
10. Remove the nuts securing the rotor to the hub.
11. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to "Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling" in Hydraulic Brakes.
14. Bleed the brake system if the brake hose was disconnected from the brake caliper. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Brake Bleeding.
CAUTION: Do not move the vehicle until a firm brake pedal is obtained. Air in the brake system can cause the loss of brakes with possible personal injury.
15. Pump the brake pedal (3/4 of a full stroke) as many times as necessary to obtain a firm brake pedal.
16. Apply approximately 778 Nm (175 ft. lbs.) of force to the brake pedal for ten seconds.
17. Inspect the brake caliper and hydraulic brake system for brake fluid leaks.