Brake Caliper Slide Pins

Clean, inspect, and lubricate brake caliper slide pins to restore proper caliper movement and prevent uneven brake pad wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Silicone brake grease (high-temperature) × 1 — Use OEM specification or synthetic brake-rated grease
• Caliper slide pin boots (if damaged) × 1 — Inspect before ordering

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface with parking brake engaged and transmission in gear or Park
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise vehicle using floor jack at appropriate jacking point and secure with jack stands under frame rails
4. Remove wheels completely and set aside in safe location
5. Inspect brake components for fluid leaks, damaged lines, or excessive pad wear before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper (inboard side). These are typically accessed from behind the caliper mounting bracket. Using the appropriate socket, remove both slide pin bolts while supporting the caliper with your other hand. The caliper will remain connected to the brake line.
2. 2

   Pivot caliper upward
   Carefully pivot the caliper upward away from the rotor, rotating it on the brake hose connection point. Support the caliper weight by suspending it from the suspension or chassis using a bungee cord or wire hanger. Never allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose alone, as this can damage the hose internally.
3. 3

   Remove slide pins from bracket
   Pull the slide pins straight out from the caliper mounting bracket. If pins are seized or difficult to remove, gently tap them from the opposite side with a rubber mallet. Note the orientation and condition of the rubber dust boots on each pin for reassembly.
4. 4

   Inspect slide pins and boots
   Examine slide pins for corrosion, pitting, scoring, or wear. Pins should be smooth and straight. Check rubber dust boots for tears, cracks, or deterioration. Replace any damaged boots or excessively worn pins. Minor surface rust can be cleaned; deep pitting requires pin replacement.
5. 5

   Clean slide pin bores
   Spray brake parts cleaner into the slide pin bores in the caliper bracket. Use a wire brush to remove old grease, rust, and debris. Wipe clean with a lint-free rag. Ensure bores are completely dry before applying new grease.
6. 6

   Clean and prepare slide pins
   Thoroughly clean slide pins with brake parts cleaner and wipe with a lint-free rag. Remove all old grease and contaminants. Inspect the pin surface one final time to ensure no debris remains that could cause binding.
7. 7

   Apply silicone brake grease
   Apply a generous coating of high-temperature silicone brake grease to the entire length of each slide pin. Ensure complete coverage but avoid excessive grease that will squeeze out. Do NOT use petroleum-based grease, as it will damage rubber boots and seals.
8. 8

   Install slide pins with boots
   If boots were removed or replaced, install them onto the slide pins first, ensuring they are seated correctly. Insert each greased slide pin into its bore in the caliper bracket, pushing firmly until fully seated. The boots should seal properly against both the pin and bracket.
9. 9

   Compress caliper piston
   Before repositioning the caliper over the brake pads and rotor, use a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool to slowly compress the caliper piston back into its bore. This creates clearance for the caliper to fit over the pads. Monitor the brake fluid reservoir; fluid level will rise as the piston retracts. If reservoir is near full, remove some fluid first to prevent overflow.
10. 10

    Reposition caliper and install slide pin bolts
    Pivot the caliper back down into position over the brake rotor and pads, aligning the caliper holes with the slide pins. Thread both slide pin bolts in by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten slide pin bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Verify caliper movement
    With slide pin bolts torqued, manually check that the caliper can move freely on the slide pins by pushing it side to side (perpendicular to the rotor). Movement should be smooth without binding. If binding occurs, remove caliper and inspect for insufficient grease, misaligned boots, or damaged pins.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel
    Position wheel onto hub and hand-thread all lug nuts to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat for remaining calipers
    Lower vehicle, move to next wheel position, and repeat steps 1-12 for each remaining caliper requiring service. Front and rear calipers use the same slide pin service procedure on this vehicle.

Reassembly

1. After all calipers are serviced and wheels installed, lower vehicle completely to ground
2. With vehicle on ground, perform final torque verification of all wheel lug nuts in star pattern
3. Check brake fluid reservoir level and top off with DOT 3 fluid if necessary after piston compression
4. Remove any tools, rags, or parts from under vehicle and engine compartment

Verification

• Pump brake pedal several times until firm pedal feel is restored (piston repositioning takes up free play)
• Verify pedal feel is firm and consistent; if pedal is soft or spongy, investigate for air in system or other issues
• Start engine and verify brake warning light is off
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area, applying brakes gently at first to verify proper operation
• Check for even braking with no pull to either side; pulling indicates caliper may still be binding
• After test drive, visually inspect all calipers for brake fluid leaks around slide pin boots and caliper body
• Listen for any unusual brake noise (squealing, grinding, or clicking) that was not present before service

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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