Front Brake Pads: Removal

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. 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.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Remove the tire and wheel. Install 2 wheel nuts in order to secure the rotor.
3. Install a C-clamp over the top of the brake caliper and against the back of the outboard brake pad. Tighten the C-clamp until the brake caliper piston pushes into the brake caliper bore enough to slide the brake caliper off of the rotor. Remove the C-clamp from the brake caliper.
4. Remove the lower brake caliper bolt. See Fig 1 . Rotate the brake caliper upward in order to access the brake pads. Remove the brake pads from the brake caliper bracket. Remove the brake pad retainers from the brake caliper bracket. See Fig 1 .
5. 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. Tighten the C-clamp until the brake caliper piston pushes completely into the brake caliper bore. Remove the C-clamp from the brake caliper.
6. Inspect the brake caliper bolt boots for the following conditions:
   • Cuts
   • Tears
   • Deterioration (Replace the brake caliper bolt boots if damage exists.)
   Inspect the brake caliper piston boot for the following conditions:
   • Cuts
   • Tears
   • Deterioration (Replace the brake caliper piston boot if damage exists.)
   Inspect the brake caliper bolts 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.

Fig 1: Identifying Brake Pads & Caliper Components

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.