Brake Caliper Slide Pins

Service the brake caliper slide pins by removing, cleaning, lubricating, and reinstalling them to ensure proper caliper movement and brake performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Silicone brake grease (high-temperature) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake caliper slide pin boots (if damaged) × 1 — GM OEM replacement

Preparation

1. Place vehicle in Park and engage parking brake (rear service) or chock rear wheels securely (front service)
2. Verify vehicle is powered off completely
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn before raising vehicle
4. Raise vehicle with jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-approved lift points
5. Remove wheel completely and set aside
6. Inspect brake system for leaks, damage, or excessive wear before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the back of the caliper assembly. Using appropriate socket, remove both caliper slide pin bolts completely. Support the caliper by hand and carefully lift it away from the brake rotor and bracket. DO NOT allow caliper to hang by the brake hose. Support caliper with wire or bungee cord to suspension component.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove slide pins from bracket
   With caliper removed and supported, locate the slide pin boots on the caliper bracket. Carefully pull back each rubber boot and extract the slide pins from their bores in the bracket. Note the orientation and length of each pin (some calipers use different length pins top and bottom).
   ⚠Do not tear or damage the slide pin boots during removal. Damaged boots must be replaced to prevent contamination.
3. 3

   Inspect slide pins and boots
   Thoroughly inspect each slide pin for scoring, corrosion, or wear. Check that pins are straight and smooth. Inspect rubber boots for tears, cracks, or degradation. Any damaged components must be replaced. Inspect the slide pin bores in the bracket for corrosion or debris.
   ⚠Replace any slide pin with visible scoring, pitting, or corrosion. Damaged pins will bind and cause uneven brake wear or caliper failure.
4. 4

   Clean slide pins and bores
   Spray brake parts cleaner on slide pins and wipe completely clean with lint-free rags. Use wire brush if needed to remove stubborn deposits. Clean the slide pin bores in the bracket using brake parts cleaner and clean rags. Ensure all old grease and contamination is removed. Allow to dry completely.
   ℹ️Never use compressed air to dry brake components as it can embed particles in rubber seals and boots.
5. 5

   Apply silicone brake grease to slide pins
   Apply a thin, even coat of high-temperature silicone brake grease to the entire length of each slide pin. Do not over-apply; excess grease can attract contaminants. Ensure coverage is complete but not excessive. Grease should coat the pin smoothly without globs or gaps.
   ⚠️Use ONLY silicone-based brake grease. Never use standard grease, anti-seize, or petroleum products which will damage rubber components and cause brake failure.
6. 6

   Reinstall slide pins
   Insert each lubricated slide pin back into its bore in the caliper bracket. Ensure pins slide smoothly with light resistance. If pins bind or stick, remove and inspect for contamination or damage. Seat the rubber boots properly over the pins and into their grooves on the bracket. Boots must seal completely.
   ⚠Verify boots are seated correctly in their grooves. Improperly seated boots will allow water and dirt to enter, causing rapid slide pin failure.
7. 7

   Reinstall caliper
   If brake pads were contacted, consider compressing caliper piston slightly with C-clamp to ease installation (check brake fluid reservoir first and remove fluid if necessary to prevent overflow). Position caliper over brake pads and rotor. Align caliper mounting holes with slide pins. Install both caliper slide pin bolts and hand-thread to prevent cross-threading.
   ℹ️Ensure brake pads are properly positioned in bracket before installing caliper. Misaligned pads will prevent proper caliper seating.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Torque caliper slide pin bolts
   Using calibrated torque wrench, tighten both caliper slide pin bolts to specification: 35.0 Nm (26 lb-ft). Torque evenly, alternating between bolts. After torquing, verify caliper moves freely on slide pins by attempting to push caliper body side to side slightly. Movement should be smooth without binding.
   ⚠️CRITICAL: Proper torque is essential. Under-torqued bolts can loosen causing brake failure. Over-torqued bolts can damage threads or cause slide pins to bind.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
   Mount wheel onto hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground (still supported mostly by jack). Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern: 140.0 Nm (103 lb-ft). Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again in star pattern to verify.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite caliper on same axle to ensure balanced braking performance
2. Do not drive vehicle until brake pedal feel is verified per verification steps below
3. Check brake fluid level in reservoir and top off with ACDelco DOT 4 if needed (do not overfill)

Verification

• Before starting vehicle, pump brake pedal several times until firm pedal resistance is achieved
• Start vehicle and verify brake warning lights are off on instrument cluster
• Perform low-speed brake test in safe area - brakes should apply smoothly without pulling to either side
• Listen for unusual noises during initial brake applications (slight noise during first few stops is normal)
• Re-check lug nut torque after driving 50-100 miles
• Monitor brake performance over next several days - any pulling, grinding, or reduced braking efficiency requires immediate professional inspection

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