Brake Caliper Bracket

Replace the brake caliper bracket on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8, including removal of the caliper, pads, and bracket, then reinstallation with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper bracket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake pads (if damaged or worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake hardware kit (clips and anti-rattle springs) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• ACDelco DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground, place transmission in Park, and apply parking brake
2. Chock the rear wheels securely
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground
4. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-approved jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
6. Remove wheel completely and set aside
7. Open brake fluid reservoir cap to relieve system pressure (caliper piston compression will displace fluid)
8. Use turkey baster to remove some brake fluid from reservoir to prevent overflow when compressing caliper piston

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake components
   Visually inspect the brake caliper, bracket, pads, rotor, and brake hose for damage, excessive wear, or fluid leaks. Check rotor thickness and condition. Document the condition to determine if additional parts are needed.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper assembly. These are typically 18mm bolts. Use a socket and breaker bar to loosen and remove both slide pin bolts. The caliper will now be free to pivot away from the bracket.
   ⚠Support the caliper before removing the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Support and secure caliper
   Carefully swing the caliper up and away from the bracket. Use wire or a bungee cord to hang the caliper from the suspension or frame. Ensure there is no tension or strain on the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake hose unless replacing the caliper.
4. 4

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the position and orientation of all pad clips, anti-rattle springs, and shims for reinstallation. Remove all pad retaining clips and hardware from the bracket. Clean and inspect all hardware; replace if worn or damaged.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket bolts
   Locate the two large caliper bracket mounting bolts that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle. These are typically 21mm bolts and require significant torque to remove. Use a breaker bar and socket to loosen and remove both bracket bolts completely. The bracket will now be free to remove from the rotor.
   ⚠These bolts are torqued to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft) and may require substantial force to break loose. Ensure proper socket engagement to avoid rounding bolt heads.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove caliper bracket
   Lift the caliper bracket away from the steering knuckle and rotor. Inspect the bracket for cracks, wear, or damage. Inspect the bracket bolt threads in the steering knuckle for damage. Clean the mounting surface on the knuckle with brake cleaner.
7. 7

   Clean and prepare mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the caliper bracket mounting surface on the steering knuckle using brake cleaner. Remove all rust, debris, and old thread locker from the bracket bolt holes. Clean the new or replacement bracket thoroughly. Inspect rotor condition and clean rotor surfaces with brake cleaner.
8. 8

   Install new caliper bracket
   Position the new or replacement caliper bracket over the rotor and align with the mounting holes on the steering knuckle. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the caliper bracket bolt threads as recommended. Start both bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
   ⚠Ensure bracket is properly seated and aligned before tightening bolts. Cross-threading these bolts can damage the steering knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque caliper bracket bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the caliper bracket bolts to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft) in a cross pattern (alternating between bolts). Verify both bolts are fully seated and torqued to specification. Double-check torque on both bolts.
   ⚠️Proper torque is critical. Under-torqued bolts can allow bracket movement and brake failure. Over-torquing can strip threads or break bolts.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install brake hardware and pads
    Install new or cleaned pad retaining clips and anti-rattle hardware onto the caliper bracket in the correct positions. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to pad contact points on the bracket (not on friction surfaces). Install inner and outer brake pads into the bracket, ensuring proper orientation with friction material facing the rotor.
11. 11

    Compress caliper piston
    Before reinstalling the caliper, the piston must be compressed fully into the caliper bore to accommodate the new or existing brake pads. Use a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool placed against the back of the caliper piston (with an old brake pad as a buffer) and slowly compress the piston. Monitor brake fluid reservoir for overflow.
    ⚠Compress piston slowly to avoid damaging caliper seals or forcing contaminated fluid back into ABS system.
12. 12

    Reinstall caliper
    Remove the wire or bungee cord supporting the caliper. Carefully swing the caliper down over the brake pads and bracket. Align the caliper slide pin bolt holes with the bracket slide pins. Ensure brake pads remain properly seated during caliper installation.
13. 13

    Install and torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the caliper slide pin bolt threads and contact surfaces. Install both caliper slide pin bolts by hand, ensuring they thread smoothly. Using a torque wrench, tighten both slide pin bolts to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft). Verify caliper moves freely on the slide pins.
    ⚠Do not use petroleum-based grease on brake components. Use only silicone brake grease or brake assembly lubricant.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel
    Clean the wheel hub surface and wheel mounting surface. Position the wheel onto the hub and install all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a socket, but do not torque yet (final torque will be done with vehicle on ground).
15. 15

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Carefully lower the vehicle from jack stands using the floor jack until the tire contacts the ground but vehicle weight is not fully on the wheel. Remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to the ground. Using a torque wrench, torque all wheel lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Repeat torque sequence to verify all lug nuts are properly torqued.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times until it becomes firm. The pedal should not go to the floor.
2. Check brake fluid level in reservoir and top off with DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary. Do not overfill.
3. Close brake fluid reservoir cap securely
4. If brake pedal feels soft or spongy, the system may need bleeding. Consult service manual for proper bleeding procedure.
5. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both caliper brackets

Verification

• With vehicle still parked, firmly apply brake pedal. Pedal should feel firm and consistent, not spongy or soft
• Start engine and apply brakes with increased pedal pressure from brake booster. Pedal should remain firm
• Check for any brake fluid leaks around caliper, bracket, and brake hose connections
• Verify caliper is properly secured and does not move when pulled by hand
• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) and verify brakes apply smoothly and evenly without pulling to one side
• After test drive, re-check wheel lug nut torque and brake fluid level
• Perform several moderate brake applications from 30-40 mph to seat brake pads (avoid hard braking for first 100 miles)
• If brake warning light illuminates, brake pedal is soft, or braking performance is abnormal, do not drive the vehicle and seek professional assistance immediately

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