Front Brake Caliper: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. 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 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 the vehicle. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Hand tighten 2 wheel nuts in order to retain the rotor to the hub.
- Push the piston into the caliper bore in order to provide clearance between the linings and the rotor:
- 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 into the caliper bore far enough to slide the caliper assembly off the rotor.
- Remove the hose bolt attaching the inlet fitting. Plug the caliper housing and brake hose in order to prevent fluid loss and contamination. The cover on the bleeder will work as a plug in the caliper.
- Remove the caliper mounting bolts. See Figure . It may be necessary to use a wrench in order to hold the brake caliper pin from rotating.
- Remove the 2 guide pins and the guide pin boots from the caliper bracket. Inspect the guide pins and bores for corrosion. Inspect the boots for cuts or nicks.
- If damage to the guide pin boots, the guide pins, or the bores are found, replace the damaged component with new parts when installing the caliper.