Rear Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 GMC Acadia, 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2016 Buick Enclave. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
Refer to Brake Dust Warning .
- 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. Refer Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
- Grasp the brake caliper housing and try to move the brake caliper housing up/down and forward/reverse in relation to the brake caliper mounting bracket. If excessive looseness is observed the brake caliper bracket bushings and/or the brake caliper mounting bolts may need to be replaced.
- Compress the rear caliper piston.
- Install a large C-clamp over the top of the caliper housing and against the back of the outboard pad.
- Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston is pushed completely into the caliper bores.
- Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.
- With the piston compressed into the caliper bore, grasp the brake caliper housing and slide it back and forth on the brake caliper mounting bolts. Check for smooth operation. If the brake caliper housing slide force is high or the brake caliper housing does not slide smoothly, inspect the brake caliper mounting bolts and/or the brake caliper mounting bracket bushings for wear or damage. If wear or damage conditions are found, replacement of the brake caliper mounting bolts and/or the brake caliper mounting bracket bushings is necessary.
- Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts from the brake caliper mounting bracket and support the brake caliper using heavy mechanics wire. Do not disconnect the hydraulic brake hose from the caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement .
- Remove the disc brake pads from the brake caliper mounting bracket.
- Inspect the disc brake pad mounting hardware for the following:
- Missing mounting hardware
- Excessive corrosion
- Bent mounting tabs
- Looseness at the brake caliper mounting bracket
- Looseness at the disc brake pads
- Excessive contaminants in the brake caliper mounting bracket surface and threads.
- If any of the conditions listed are found, the disc brake pad mounting hardware requires replacement.
- Ensure the disc brake pads are held firmly in place on the brake caliper mounting bracket, yet slide easily on the mounting hardware without binding.
- Inspect the caliper bolts (1) or guide pins for the following:
- Binding
- Seizing
- Looseness in the brake caliper mounting bracket (3)
- Bent or damaged brake caliper mounting bolts or guide pins
- Cracked or torn boots (4)
- Missing boots
- Bent or damaged brake caliper mounting bracket (3)
- If any of the conditions listed are found then the brake caliper mounting hardware requires replacement.
- Install the disc brake pads to the brake caliper mounting bracket.
- Gently pull the edge of the upper guide pin seal (1) away from the brake caliper guide pin (2) while simultaneously pushing the brake caliper guide pin into the brake caliper bracket to expel any trapped air and excess brake lubricant.
- Repeat step 17 for the lower guide pin seal and brake caliper guide pin.
- With a clean shop towel, clean any excess brake lubricant from the guide pin seal and brake caliper guide pin.
- Install the disc brake caliper to the brake caliper mounting bracket. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement .
WARNING:
Do not use a service jack in locations other than those specified to lift this vehicle. Lifting the vehicle with a jack in those other locations could cause the vehicle to slip off the jack and roll; this could cause injury or death.
NOTE:
Excess brake lubricant and trapped air must be expelled from the brake caliper guide pin bore to allow full caliper movement and prevent premature brake pad wear.