Rear Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Cadillac CTS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
Refer to Brake Dust Caution
.
- 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, 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.
- Install a large C-clamp, over the body of the brake caliper with the C-clamp ends against the rear of the caliper body and against the outer brake pad.
- Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper piston is compressed into the caliper bore enough to allow the caliper to slide past the brake rotor.
- Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.
- Grasp the brake caliper and try to move the brake caliper up or down. The brake caliper should not have excessive looseness.
- Grasp the brake caliper and try to move the brake caliper in and out. The brake caliper should slide smoothly with minimal force.
- Inspect the brake caliper retainers.
- Inspect the disc brake pad mounting hardware for the following:
- Bent mounting tabs
- Excessive corrosion
- Looseness at the brake caliper mounting bracket
- Looseness at the disc brake pads
- Missing mounting hardware
- If any of the conditions listed are found, the disc brake pad mounting hardware requires replacement.
- Ensure the disc brake pads are held firmly in place on the brake caliper mounting bracket, yet slide easily on the mounting hardware without binding.
- Inspect the brake caliper bolts (1) for the following:
- Bent or damaged brake caliper bolts (1)
- Bent or damaged brake caliper mounting bracket (4)
- Binding
- Corrosion
- Looseness in the brake caliper mounting bracket (4)
- Seizing
- If any of the conditions listed are found, the brake caliper mounting hardware requires replacement.
- Inspect the brake caliper slides pins (2) by gently pulling outward, without disengaging the slides from the boot, then push inward, and observe for the following:
- Bent or damaged brake caliper bolts (1)
- Bent or damaged brake caliper mounting bracket (4)
- Binding
- Corrosion
- Cracked or torn boots (3)
- Missing boots
- Looseness in the brake caliper mounting bracket (4)
- Seizing
- If any of the conditions listed are found, the brake caliper mounting hardware requires replacement.