Removal Procedure

Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
WARNING: Refer to Brake Dust Warning .
If the brake fluid level is midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, 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, remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
Remove the lower brake caliper guide pin bolt (4). Do NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose (1) from the caliper (2).

Fig 1: Brake Caliper, Flex Hose, Brake Pads And Guide Pin Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Without disconnecting the hydraulic brake flexible hose (1), pivot the caliper (2) upward and separate from caliper bracket in direction of arrow.
CAUTION: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic 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 brake pads (3).
Remove the brake pad retainer springs (1).

Fig 2: View Of Brake Pad Retainer Springs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
If reusing the bracket, thoroughly clean the pad hardware mating surfaces of the caliper bracket, of any debris and corrosion.
Inspect the brake pad retainer springs (1) for the following:
- Bent mounting tabs
- Excessive corrosion
- Looseness at the brake caliper mounting bracket
- Looseness at the disc brake pads
If any of the conditions listed are found, the disc brake pad retainers require replacement.
Inspect the caliper bracket (5). If the brake caliper bracket (5) is bent, cracked or damaged, it requires replacement.

Fig 3: Brake Caliper And Mounting Hardware
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Inspect the brake caliper guide pins (3) for freedom of movement and inspect the condition of the guide pin boots (4). Move the brake caliper guide pins (3) inboard and outboard within the brake caliper bracket (5), without disengaging the slides from the boots (4) and observe for the following:
- Restricted caliper guide pin movement
- Looseness in the brake caliper mounting bracket
- Seized or binding caliper guide pins
- Split or torn boots
If any of the conditions listed are found, the brake caliper guide pins (3) and/or boots (4) require replacement.