Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Avoid taking the following actions when you service wheel brake parts:

Do not grind brake linings.
Do not sand brake linings.
Do not clean wheel brake parts with a dry brush or with compressed air.

Some models or aftermarket brake parts may contain asbestos fibers which can become airborne in dust. Breathing dust with asbestos fibers may cause serious bodily harm. Use a water-dampened cloth in order to remove any dust on brake parts. Equipment is available commercially in order to perform this washing function. These wet methods prevent fibers from becoming airborne.

Use a siphon in order to remove half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

Fig 1: C-Clamp Over Brake Caliper

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install a large C-clamp over the brake caliper. Position the ends of the C-clamp against the rear of the caliper body and against the outer brake pad.
Tighten the C-clamp in order to compress the caliper piston into the caliper bore.
Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

Fig 2: Removing Caliper Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the 2 caliper bolts.

Fig 3: Supporting Caliper With Wire And Caliper Housing

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: 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.

Remove the caliper housing (2) from the caliper bracket. Support the caliper with a wire (1) in order to prevent damage to the brake hose.

Fig 4: Brake Pad Components

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the 2 brake pads (6,10).
Remove the inner pad wear indicator (3) from the inner pad.
Remove the outer pad wear indicator (5), if equipped, from the outer pad.
Remove the 2 insulators (1,7).
Remove the 2 pad insulators (2,8).

IMPORTANT: Note the location of the upper retainer and the lower retainer. The upper retainer is not interchangeable with the lower retainer.

Remove the 2 brake pad retainers (4,9).