Brake Caliper Inspection
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 12 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Yukon XL, 2003 GMC Yukon, 2003 GMC Sierra, 2003 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, and 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Prior to performing any work, review warnings, cautions and notes. See ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTIONS WARNINGS, CAUTIONS & NOTES under SERVICE PRECAUTIONS.
- Inspect the brake caliper housing for cracks, excess wear, and/or damage. If any of these conditions are present, the brake caliper requires replacement. See BRAKE CALIPER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- Inspect the caliper piston dust boot seal for cracks, tears, cuts, deterioration and/or improper seating in the caliper body. See Fig 1. If any of these conditions are present, the brake caliper requires overhaul or replacement. See BRAKE CALIPER under OVERHAUL or BRAKE CALIPER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- Inspect for brake fluid leakage around the caliper piston dust boot seal and on the disc brake pads. If there is any evidence of brake fluid leakage, the brake caliper requires overhaul or replacement. See BRAKE CALIPER under OVERHAUL or BRAKE CALIPER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- Inspect for smooth and complete travel of the caliper piston, or pistons, into the caliper bore, or bores. See Fig 2. The movement of a caliper piston into a caliper bore should be smooth and even.
- For single piston caliper applications, insert a discarded inner brake pad or block of wood in front of the piston. Using a large C-clamp installed over the body of the caliper and against the brake pad or block of wood, slowly bottom the piston in the bore.
- For dual piston caliper applications, insert a discarded inner brake pad or block of wood in front of the pistons. Using 2 large C-clamps installed over the body of the caliper and against the brake pad or block of wood, slowly bottom the pistons evenly into the bores.
- If a caliper piston is frozen or difficult to bottom, the caliper requires overhaul or replacement. See BRAKE CALIPER under OVERHAUL or BRAKE CALIPER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.