Front 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 tire and the wheel assembly.
Hand tighten 2 wheel lug nuts in order to retain the rotor to the hub.
Compress the front caliper piston.
1. Install a large C-clamp over the top of the caliper housing and against the back of the outboard pad.
2. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston pushes into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper off the rotor.
3. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.
Remove the lower caliper bolt.
CAUTION: 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.
In order to access the pads, rotate the caliper upward and suitably support it.
Remove the pads from the caliper bracket.
Remove the 2 retainer slides from the caliper bracket.
Inspect the following parts for cuts, tears, or deterioration. Replace any damaged parts:
- The disc brake mounting and hardware. See DISC BRAKE MOUNTING & HARDWARE INSPECTION under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTIONS.
- The caliper dust boot. See BRAKE CALIPER INSPECTION under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTIONS.
Inspect the caliper bolts for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is found, use NEW caliper bolts when installing the caliper.