Front Brake Caliper: 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 front tire and the wheel assembly.
- Hand tighten 2 wheel lug nuts to retain the rotor to the hub.
- Install a large C-clamp over the top of the brake caliper and against the back of the outboard brake pad.
- Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston is pushed into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper off the rotor.
- Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.
- Remove the brake hose-to-caliper bolt from the caliper. Discard the 2 copper brake hose gaskets. These gaskets may be stuck to the brake caliper and/or the brake hose end.
- Plug the opening in the front brake hose to prevent excessive brake fluid loss and contamination.NOTE: Note the location of the caliper pin bolts. The leading caliper pin bolt, or top bolt, has a bushing as part of the assembly. The trailing caliper pin bolt, or bottom bolt, is a solid design.
- Remove the caliper pin bolts. See Fig 1 .
- Remove the caliper from the rotor and the caliper bracket.
- Inspect the caliper bolt boots in the caliper bracket for damage. Replace any damaged caliper bolt boots. See FRONT BRAKE HARDWARE .
- Inspect the caliper bolts for corrosion or damage. If corrosion or damage is found, use NEW caliper pin bolts when installing the caliper.