GM 89040317
Brake Pads

Before starting pad replacement work check the brake fluid level is at midpoint between top and bottom marks and drain excess fluid when the level exceeds midway point. Take off the tire and wheel but keep the front caliper clean with denatured alcohol. Position the large c-clamp over the brake caliper pistons to push them into the assembly bore fully. Twist the caliper upward by removing its bottom bolt to work on the brake pads. Take out the brake pads from both sides keeping their shims for disposal. Put on new brake pads by using their supplied retention clips alone. Fasten new retaining clips on the brake pads first and afterwards position the brake caliper with the disks installed. Line up and fit the lower caliper guide pin bolt before tightening it to 40 nm (29 ft. Lbs.). After fitting the wheel and tire back in place return the vehicle to ground level then refill the master cylinder brake fluid until it reaches the right mark. Squeeze the Brake Pedal gently a few times until the pads find their position and keep repeating this if the pedal stays soft. After switching off the engine press down the Brake Pedal two-thirds of its range and let go slowly. Wait for 15 seconds then check if Brake Pedal feels firm enough. Follow up by filling the master cylinder to its required level while finishing the pad break-in process.

To replace the brake pads, first make sure brake fluid is at a level between maximum-full and the minimum allowable level; if above this range, take out excess fluid using a brake fluid extractor to middle point. Start by removing the tire and wheel assembly, and afterwards, remove the front caliper assembly and wash it in denatured alcohol. With the help of a big c-clamp compress the brake caliper pistons in the bore entirely and then remove the c-clamp. There is no need to remove slide pins to remove the pad. Then, remove the lower brake caliper mounting bolt and twist the caliper over to reveal the brake parts. Disassembly of the inboard and outboard brake pads, and also discarding the Brake Pad shims by removing them. For installation, consider using only the new retaining clips that are supplied with the brake pads. Install the new retaining clips, then the outboard and inboard brake pads and finally cement the brake caliper in place. Mount the lower brake caliper guide pin bolt and screw it to 40 n.m (29 lb ft). Reattach the tire and wheel assembly, bring down the vehicle, and top up with brake fluid in the master cylinder to a lever between the maximum level and the minimum level. In order to sit the brake pads, gently press the brake pedal as you pump it down. Such a process may need to be repeated with a firm pedal. Slowly press the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance committing the engine to zero, then slowly let off to wait 15 seconds and test firmly. Lastly, fill the master cylinder up to the necessary level and burnish new brake pads.

With the engine off, gradually apply the brake pedal to about 2/3 of its travel, then slowly release it and wait 15 seconds before checking for firmness.

It is essential to ensure the braking surfaces are properly prepared after servicing the disc brake system, especially when the rotors have been refinished or replaced, or when the brake pads have been replaced.