Brake Caliper - Front

Replace the front brake caliper on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8, including proper bleeding and torque specifications for a safety-critical braking system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake caliper (left or right as needed) × 1 — ACDelco 18FR2660 (right) or 18FR2661 (left)
• Copper brake line washers × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Brake caliper bracket hardware kit (optional) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• ACDelco DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
4. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-designated lift points on frame
5. Secure vehicle on jack stands positioned on frame rails, never on suspension components or oil pan
6. Remove wheel completely and set aside
7. Clean caliper area with wire brush to remove road debris and corrosion for easier disassembly
8. Siphon approximately 1/3 of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir to prevent overflow when compressing caliper piston (if reusing caliper on opposite side)

Procedure

1. 1

   Position brake fluid catch container
   Place a suitable container or absorbent pads under the caliper area to catch brake fluid that will drain when the brake line is disconnected. Have shop towels ready to minimize fluid loss and cleanup.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake hose from caliper
   Locate the brake hose connection at the back of the caliper. Using a brake line wrench (flare nut wrench) to prevent rounding, loosen and remove the banjo bolt. Note the position of the copper washers (one on each side of the fitting). Allow brake fluid to drain into catch container. Cap or plug the brake hose immediately with a rubber cap or clean shop towel to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination.
   ⚠Brake fluid will drain immediately upon disconnecting. Keep catch container positioned and do not allow fluid to contact painted surfaces or rubber components.
3. 3

   Remove caliper mounting bolts
   Locate the two caliper mounting bolts (also called slide pin bolts or guide pin bolts) on the rear of the caliper. These are typically 14mm or 15mm hex head bolts. Apply penetrating oil if bolts are corroded. Using a ratchet and appropriate socket, remove both caliper mounting bolts completely. Support the caliper with your free hand as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
4. 4

   Remove caliper from bracket
   With both mounting bolts removed, lift the caliper straight up and off the caliper bracket and rotor. The brake pads may remain in the bracket or come away with the caliper. Set the old caliper aside on a clean surface. If pads are stuck in the bracket, note their orientation and remove them carefully.
5. 5

   Inspect caliper bracket and clean mounting surfaces
   Examine the caliper bracket for damage, excessive corrosion, or worn slide surfaces. If replacing bracket, remove the two bracket mounting bolts (18mm) using an 18mm socket. Clean all mounting surfaces, slide pin bores, and pad contact points with a wire brush. Remove rust, debris, and old lubricant. If reusing the bracket, verify slide pins move freely and replace hardware kit if worn.
   ℹ️Bracket replacement is not typically required for caliper-only replacement, but verify bracket condition while exposed.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Prepare new caliper for installation
   Remove the new caliper from packaging and verify it matches the old caliper (left vs right side, mounting configuration). Remove any shipping caps or plugs from the brake line port. Verify the caliper piston is fully retracted; if not, carefully compress it using a C-clamp or caliper piston tool. Install NEW copper washers on both sides of the banjo fitting on the brake hose (discard old washers).
   ⚠Ensure left/right caliper orientation is correct. Installing the wrong side will position the bleeder screw incorrectly, making bleeding impossible.
7. 7

   Install new caliper onto bracket
   Position brake pads in the caliper bracket if removed (inner and outer pads in correct orientation with anti-rattle clips installed). Carefully guide the new caliper down over the rotor and brake pads, aligning the caliper mounting holes with the slide pin holes in the bracket. Ensure brake pads seat properly and caliper sits flush against the bracket.
8. 8

   Install and torque caliper mounting bolts
   Apply blue threadlocker to the threads of both caliper mounting bolts as specified. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten the caliper mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern (alternate between bolts). Verify caliper is secure and properly seated on bracket.
   ⚠Threadlocker is required per manufacturer specification to prevent bolt loosening. Use only blue (medium strength) threadlocker, never red (permanent).
9. 9

   Connect brake hose to new caliper
   Position the brake hose banjo fitting to the caliper inlet port with NEW copper washers installed on both sides of the fitting (one washer between banjo bolt head and hose, one washer between hose and caliper body). Start the banjo bolt by hand, ensuring proper thread engagement and that the hose is not twisted or kinked. Using a brake line wrench and torque wrench, tighten the banjo bolt to specification.
   ⚠️Using old copper washers or omitting washers will cause brake fluid leaks and brake failure. Always use NEW washers on both sides of the fitting.
10. 10

    Bleed brake caliper
    Locate the bleeder screw on top of the caliper. Attach a clear hose to the bleeder screw and route into a catch container. Have an assistant slowly pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn while assistant maintains pedal pressure; brake fluid and air bubbles will exit. Close bleeder screw before pedal reaches floor. Repeat this process until fluid flows clear with no air bubbles. Check master cylinder reservoir frequently and maintain fluid level above MIN mark throughout bleeding process.
    ⚠️NEVER allow master cylinder reservoir to run empty during bleeding. Air entering the ABS unit requires special scan tool bleeding procedures.
    ⚠Bleeder screw is brass and easily damaged. Use correct size wrench and do not overtighten when closing.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Perform final brake system check
    With bleeder screw closed and torqued to specification, remove bleeding hose. Wipe caliper and surrounding area clean of brake fluid. Check all connections for leaks while assistant applies firm brake pedal pressure. Inspect banjo bolt connection for any seepage. Top off master cylinder reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid and reinstall reservoir cap.
    ⚠️Any brake fluid leakage indicates improper installation. Do not drive vehicle if leaks are present. Re-check all fittings and torque specifications.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Clean wheel mounting surface on hub with wire brush. Position wheel onto hub and start all lug nuts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench and star pattern (tighten opposite lug nuts in sequence), torque lug nuts to specification. Lower vehicle from jack stands using floor jack, then remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to ground. With vehicle on ground, re-torque lug nuts to final specification in star pattern.

Reassembly

1. If replacing both front calipers, repeat entire procedure for opposite side
2. After both sides are complete, pump brake pedal firmly 10-15 times to fully seat brake pads and pressurize system
3. Check brake pedal firmness - pedal should be firm within upper 1/3 of travel; if pedal is soft or spongy, repeat bleeding procedure
4. Verify master cylinder reservoir is at MAX level and cap is secure
5. Clean any brake fluid residue from wheels, calipers, and painted surfaces with water

Verification

• Start engine and pump brake pedal - pedal should be firm and high, not soft or spongy (soft pedal indicates air in system)
• With engine running and foot on brake, check for pedal fade - pedal should hold steady position without sinking
• Visually inspect all brake connections for fluid leaks while assistant applies firm brake pressure
• Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) to verify brakes engage properly and vehicle stops straight without pulling to either side
• Perform several moderate brake applications from 25-30 mph to bed-in new caliper and pads
• After test drive, recheck master cylinder fluid level and all connections for leaks
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification and recheck brake fluid level
• Monitor brake pedal feel and stopping performance for first several hundred miles - any changes in pedal feel require immediate inspection

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