This procedure covers cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating the brake caliper slide pins to ensure proper caliper movement and even brake pad wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Silicone brake grease (high-temperature) × 1 — Use synthetic silicone brake lubricant rated for caliper pins

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
4. Support vehicle securely with jack stands
5. Remove wheel completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper (typically upper and lower bolts with rubber caps). Remove rubber dust caps if present. Using a 13mm socket or wrench, remove both caliper slide pin bolts. These bolts thread into the slide pins themselves.
   Torque spec

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

   Pivot caliper upward
   Carefully pivot the brake caliper upward and away from the brake rotor. The caliper will rotate on the bracket. If caliper does not pivot easily, do not force it. Support the caliper with a wire hook or bungee cord to prevent stress on the brake hose. Do not allow caliper to hang freely.
   ⚠Support the caliper with wire or cord. Never let it hang by the brake hose.
3. 3

   Remove slide pins from bracket
   Locate the slide pins in the caliper bracket. Grasp each slide pin firmly and pull straight out from the bracket. The pins should slide out with slight resistance. If pins are severely corroded and stuck, apply penetrating oil and wait 15 minutes before attempting removal. Note the orientation of any rubber boots or seals.
   ℹ️If slide pins are seized and cannot be removed, the caliper bracket may need replacement.
4. 4

   Inspect slide pins and boots
   Thoroughly inspect both slide pins for scoring, pitting, corrosion, or damage. Inspect rubber boots for tears, cracks, or deterioration. Replace any damaged slide pins or boots - do not attempt to reuse damaged components. Minor surface rust can be cleaned, but deep pitting requires replacement.
   ⚠Damaged or severely corroded slide pins must be replaced. They are critical for proper brake function and even pad wear.
5. 5

   Clean slide pins and bracket bores
   Spray brake parts cleaner on a clean rag and thoroughly wipe down each slide pin, removing all old grease, dirt, and corrosion. Use a wire brush if needed for stubborn deposits. Clean the slide pin bores in the caliper bracket using brake cleaner and clean rags. Ensure bores are completely clean and dry before reassembly.
   ℹ️Do not spray brake cleaner directly into caliper bracket as it may contaminate brake pads.
6. 6

   Apply silicone brake grease to slide pins
   Apply a generous, even coating of high-temperature silicone brake grease to the entire length of each slide pin shaft. Pay special attention to coating the area that slides within the bracket bore. Do not use excessive grease that would squeeze out excessively, but ensure complete coverage. Verify you are using silicone-based brake grease, not petroleum-based grease.
   ⚠Only use silicone brake grease. Petroleum-based lubricants will destroy rubber components.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Reinstall slide pins and boots
   Insert each slide pin back into the caliper bracket bore, ensuring the rubber boot seats properly in both the bracket and the pin groove. The pin should slide smoothly into the bore with the fresh grease. Ensure boots are not twisted or pinched. Pins should move freely in and out with light resistance.
   ℹ️Verify rubber boots are properly seated. Improperly seated boots will allow water and dirt intrusion.
8. 8

   Reposition caliper over brake pads
   Before lowering caliper back into position, inspect brake pads for wear. If pads are more than 75% worn, consider replacement during this service. If needed, use a C-clamp or brake piston tool to compress the caliper piston slightly to provide clearance. Lower the caliper back down over the brake pads and align the slide pin bolt holes.
   ℹ️Compressing the caliper piston will push brake fluid back into the master cylinder reservoir, which may overflow if filled to maximum.
9. 9

   Install and torque slide pin bolts
   Insert both caliper slide pin bolts and thread them by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once both bolts are hand-tight, torque each bolt to 35.0 Nm (26 lb-ft) in an alternating pattern using a calibrated torque wrench. Do not overtighten. Replace rubber dust caps if equipped.
   ⚠️Proper torque is critical. Under-torquing can allow bolts to loosen; over-torquing can damage threads or seize pins.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts
    Position wheel onto hub and install lug nuts by hand. Using a torque wrench, tighten lug nuts to 140.0 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove stands. With vehicle on ground, re-torque lug nuts to final specification in star pattern.
    ⚠️Always torque lug nuts in a star pattern. Improper tightening can cause wheel detachment.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat this procedure for remaining three wheels, working on one wheel at a time
2. After servicing all calipers, pump brake pedal several times until firm pedal is achieved before moving vehicle
3. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off with DOT 4 brake fluid if needed

Verification

• With vehicle safely supported, verify each wheel rotates freely without dragging or resistance
• Pump brake pedal until firm - pedal should feel normal and consistent
• Test brakes at low speed in a safe area before normal driving
• Verify no brake fluid leaks at any caliper
• After 50-100 miles, re-check lug nut torque and verify no brake issues
• Brakes should apply evenly without pulling to either side

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