Rear Brake Pads: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- 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.
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Remove the rear tire and the wheel assembly.
- Install a hand tightened lug nut to retain the rotor to the hub.
- Compress the caliper piston enough for clearance. Use a C-clamp.
- Remove the upper caliper bolt. Use care to avoid damaging pin boot when rotating caliper.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.
- Pivot the caliper down in order to access the pads. It is not necessary to remove the caliper.
- Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket.
- Remove the 2 pad clips from the caliper bracket.
- Inspect the caliper mounting hardware for the following conditions:
- Cuts.
- Tears.
- Deterioration.
- Inspect the caliper dust boot for the following conditions:
- Cuts.
- Tears.
- Deterioration.
- Inspect the caliper bolts for corrosion or damage. If corrosion exists, use NEW caliper bolts when installing the caliper.