Brake Pads Replacement - Front

Removal Procedure
GM replacement brake lining material (or equivalent) is recommended 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 the purposes of both stopping distance and control over the full range of operating conditions. Installation of the front or rear brake lining material that performs differently than that of the GM replacement parts recommended for this vehicle may change the intended brake balance of this vehicle.
1. Remove 2/3 of the brake fluid from the master cylinder.
2. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
3. Mark (index) the relationship of the wheel to the hub.
4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
Install 2 wheel nuts in order to retain the rotor.





5. In order to push the piston into the caliper bore and provide clearance between the pads and the rotor, complete the following steps:
5.1. Install a large C-clamp (2) over the top of the caliper housing (1) and against the back of the outboard pad.
5.2. Slowly tighten the C-clamp (2) until the piston pushes into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper (1) off the rotor.





6. Remove the caliper bolts. it may be necessary to use a wrench in order to hold the brake caliper pin from rotating.

Important: Do not let the caliper hang from the brake hose. Damage may occur. Suspend the caliper using a wire hook from the strut.

7. Remove the caliper in order to access the pads.





8. Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket.





9. Remove the shims from the caliper bracket.





10. Inspect the following parts for cuts, tears, or deterioration. Replace any damaged parts:
^ The caliper pin boots
^ The piston boot
11. Inspect the caliper bolts and pins for corrosion or damage. Use new parts when installing the caliper if any corrosion is found. Do not attempt to polish away corrosion.

Installation Procedure

Important: Before installing new brake pads, wipe the outside surface of the caliper boot clean. Use denatured alcohol.





1. Bottom the piston into the caliper bore. If installing new brake pads, use a C-clamp (2) in order to clamp the piston at the same time. Use a metal plate or wooden block across the face of the piston. Do not damage the piston or the caliper boot.

Important: The piston boot must lay flat below the level of the piston face.





2. Lift the inner-edge caliper boot next to the piston.
3. Press out any trapped air.





4. Lubricate the caliper pins with GM P/N 18010908 silicone grease or equivalent.
5. Install the caliper pins and boots to the caliper bracket.





6. Install the two shims to the caliper bracket.

Important: The wear sensor is on the inner pad. The sensor is positioned at the leading edge (upward) of the pad during forward wheel rotation.





7. Install the pads to the caliper bracket.
8. Install the caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement- Front
9. Remove the wheel nuts securing the rotor to the hub.
10. Install the tires and wheel assembly. Align the index marks on the wheel and the hub.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level with clean brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling.
13. Apply approximately 778 N (175 lb.) of force to the brake pedal 3 times in order to seat the pads.
14. Burnish the pads and the rotors. Refer to Burnishing Pads and Rotors.