GM 18043346
Brake Pads

Start by checking the brake master cylinder reservoir fluid level; if it meets between the fill marks you can proceed but if it exceeds this range drain enough fluid until it sits halfway between the marks. Lift the vehicle up and put it on supports before taking out the tire and wheel unit. Secure the brake caliper to its mounting bracket with strong mechanic's wire whenever disconnecting the part from its mount and leaving the hydraulic Brake Line connected to protect the components. Set aside the caliper by unscrewing from its bracket position with brake hose attached. Pull brake pads from mounting bracket where you discard anti-rattle clips. Examine both caliper assembly parts including the bracket system. New anti-rattle clips should go on the mounting bracket's inside ends first before installing the brake pads and brake caliper. Replace the tire and wheel unit and take off safety stands while lowering the vehicle. After shutting down the engine apply the brake pedal only to its middle third range and release it at a leisurely pace. Lawfully press the brake pedal two times apart during the 15-second interval till you get a strong brake pedal feeling that seats the brake caliper pistons and brake pads. After filling the fluid reservoir with clean brake fluid add into the system until it reaches the specified mark. Next make Brake Pad friction material and rotor surface meet at regular speed.

Check the brake master cylinder reservoir fluid level before work. If fluid site is between its absolute maximum and minimum limits no draining is needed. However draining should start if fluid goes beyond these marks. Lift the vehicle and disconnect the tire and wheel components from their position. Maintain the hydraulic flexible brake hose connection when removing the brake caliper from its mount because support the brake caliper with a strong mechanic's wire or similar object to prevent damage and potentially leaking. Detach the caliper from the mounting bracket while keeping the hydraulic brake hose joined and remove the brake pads from their holder. Look for damage on both the caliper and its mounting bracket after removing the anti-rattle clips. Wear new anti-rattle clips onto the caliper mounting bracket inside parts and put brake pads in place prior to reattaching the brake caliper. Place the tire and wheel back then lower the vehicle while shutting off the engine. Slowly push brake pedal to 2/3 its total range before releasing. Press the brake pedal for 15 seconds while repeating to correctly position brake pads and caliper pistons. Use fresh brake fluid to reach the right level in the master cylinder tank then smooth out the brake pads and rotors setup.

Check how much fluid is in the brake master cylinder before working on a 15 series vehicle. You need to drain brake fluid if the level shows higher than the midpoint between its maximum and minimum marks. Lift the vehicle into position and take out the tire and wheel unit. Test the brake caliper movement and hold it steady using thick steel wire mechanics' tools to shield the flexible brake hose from harm. Examine the caliper assembly without disconnecting the hydraulic brake hose while lifting it off its mounting bracket. Take out the brake pads and retainers from their positions on the Brake Caliper Bracket. Before placing new brake pads you need to clean the outside surface of the caliper boot with denatured alcohol. After that apply a c-clamp and position the Piston to the bottom while shielding both components with a block or metal pad. A small flat blade tool should be used to lift the bottom side of the caliper boot to remove trapped air before pushing the Piston boot under the Piston face. Fit the Brake Pad retainers to the caliper housing while placing the wear sensor on the inner pad leading edge before forward wheel movement. Use the brake pads to cover the Brake Pad retainers on the caliper bracket and fit them back with the tire and wheel assembly. Reduce the vehicle height while using the engine shutdown position and press the brake pedal to 2/3 its range. Slowly release the brake pedal afterward before resuming normal operation. Apply the brake pedal slowly until you reach a firm position to position brake caliper pistons and pads correctly. When you finish fill the brake fluid reservoir to the correct level with new brake fluid while running the brake pads over the rotors to smooth their surfaces.

Care should be taken to avoid overheating the brakes.

Attach the clips to the inside ends of the caliper mounting bracket.

Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic's wire while it is separated from its mount.

Fill the master cylinder reservoir to the proper level with clean brake fluid and burnish the brake pads and rotors as necessary.

Raise and support the vehicle, then remove the tire and wheel assembly.

Burnish the brake pads and rotors.

Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.

Repeat until a firm pedal is obtained.