Front Disc Brake Pads: Removal
- Inspect fluid level in brake master cylinder auxiliary reservoir.
- If brake fluid level is midway between the maximum-full point and minimum allowable level, no brake fluid needs to be removed from the reservoir before proceeding.
- If brake fluid level is higher than midway between the maximum-full point and minimum allowable level, remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
- Raise and support vehicle.
- Remove wheels.
- Install and firmly hand tighten 2 wheel lug nuts to opposite wheel studs in order to retain the rotor to the hub.
- 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 outboard brake pad. See Fig 1.
- Tighten "C" clamp evenly until caliper piston is compressed into the caliper bore enough to allow caliper to slide past the brake rotor.
- Remove "C" clamp from caliper.
- Remove brake caliper lower guide pin bolt.
- Without disconnecting the hydraulic brake flexible hose, pivot the caliper upward and secure the caliper with mechanic's wire.
- Remove brake pads from caliper mounting bracket.
- Remove brake pad retainers from the caliper bracket.
- Thoroughly clean brake pad hardware mating surfaces of the caliper bracket of any debris and corrosion.
- Inspect brake caliper guide pins for freedom of movement. Inspect condition of guide pin boots. Move guide pins inboard and outboard within the bracket bores, without disengaging slides from the boots, and observe for restricted caliper guide pin movement, looseness in brake caliper mounting bracket, seized or binding caliper guide pins, or split or torn boots.
- Repair or replace as necessary.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.