OEM 2002 Chevrolet Malibu Brake Calipers

2002 Chevrolet Malibu Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to overhaul brake calipers on 2002 Chevrolet Malibu?

  A: The first step to work on the brake caliper starts by taking out the front caliper unit from your vehicle. Apply low pressure compressed air into the caliper bore through the fluid inlet to push out the Brake Caliper Piston. To access the caliper bore return the piston dust boot seal and piston seal through their respective bores using a wood or plastic tool until they can be taken out. Take out both the bleeder valve and cap from the caliper. Never use abrasives when cleansing the Brake Caliper Piston. Use denatured alcohol or its replacement to clean all parts of the brake caliper assembly including the piston bore and piston seal before blowing them dry with filtered non-lubed air. Check the caliper tube for damage like fractures, scratches, pits or severe rust. Mild rust and corrosion should be tried for removal using fine sandpaper but the whole assembly needs replacement if cleaning fails. Cracks and other brake caliper assembly damage forces us to replace the entire unit because rust and corrosion require a new part. Examine the caliper piston for any broken or scored areas and replace it when chrome plating or other damage appears. Put the new piston seal into the caliper bore after covering it with delco supreme ii brake fluid (GM P/N 12377967) or equivalent dot-3 brake fluid taken from a clean stored container. Place the caliper piston inside the bore then insert the new dust boot seal on top of it. Place the bleeder valve and cap onto the caliper and lock it tightly before putting back the brake caliper to the vehicle.