This procedure covers cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating the 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 synthetic silicone brake lubricant rated for caliper slide pins
• Brake cleaner spray × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Remove approximately 1/3 of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir using turkey baster to prevent overflow when compressing pistons
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer's designated jacking point
6. Place jack stands under frame rails and lower vehicle onto stands
7. Remove front wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake system condition
   Before beginning work, visually inspect the brake caliper, rotor, and pads for damage, excessive wear, or fluid leaks. Check that brake pads have at least 3mm of friction material remaining. If rotor is scored deeply or pads are worn below minimum thickness, this service alone will not resolve braking issues.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear side of the caliper (facing the engine). Using a 14mm socket or wrench, remove both slide pin bolts. These bolts thread into the slide pins themselves. Keep track of which bolt came from which position as they may have different lengths.
   ⚠Support the caliper before removing the second bolt to prevent it from falling and damaging the brake hose.
   Torque spec

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

   Pivot caliper upward
   Carefully pivot the caliper upward away from the rotor. The caliper will rotate on the slide pins if only the bolts were removed. Support the caliper with a bungee cord or wire hook attached to the suspension strut. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.
   ⚠️Never allow brake caliper to hang unsupported by the rubber brake hose. Internal hose damage can cause brake failure.
4. 4

   Remove brake pads (optional but recommended)
   Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket for easier access and to prevent contamination with lubricant. Note the position of any anti-rattle clips or shims. Take a photo with your phone for reference during reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove slide pins from bracket
   Pull the rubber dust boots away from the caliper bracket. Grip each slide pin and pull straight out from the bracket. The slide pins should slide out freely. If they are seized, use gentle back-and-forth rotation while pulling. Do not damage the bore in the bracket.
6. 6

   Clean slide pins and bores
   Spray brake cleaner on each slide pin to remove all old grease and contamination. Wipe clean with shop towels. Use a clean towel wrapped around your finger or a lint-free cloth to clean the inside of the slide pin bores in the caliper bracket. Remove all old grease, rust, and debris. The pins and bores should be smooth and free of corrosion.
   ⚠Inspect slide pins for scoring, corrosion pitting, or wear. If pins are damaged or bores are corroded, replacement parts are required.
7. 7

   Inspect rubber dust boots
   Carefully examine the rubber dust boots for tears, cracks, or deterioration. The boots must be intact to keep moisture and dirt out of the slide pin bores. If boots are damaged, they must be replaced. Stretched or damaged boots will allow corrosion and seizing.
   ℹ️Damaged dust boots are a common cause of recurring slide pin problems. Replace boots if any damage is visible.
8. 8

   Apply silicone brake grease to slide pins
   Apply a thin, even coating of high-temperature silicone brake grease to the entire length of each slide pin. Do not over-grease; a thin film is sufficient. Wipe off any excess. Apply a small amount of grease to the inside of the dust boots where they contact the pins.
   ⚠Use ONLY silicone-based brake grease. Petroleum-based lubricants will destroy rubber components and cause brake failure.
9. 9

   Reinstall slide pins
   Insert each slide pin back into its bore in the caliper bracket. Push in firmly until fully seated. The pin should slide smoothly with minimal resistance. Ensure the rubber dust boot seats properly in the groove on both the bracket and the slide pin body. There should be no gaps or twisted sections in the boot.
10. 10

    Compress brake caliper piston
    Before reinstalling the caliper over the pads and rotor, the caliper piston must be compressed fully into its bore. Use a C-clamp or brake piston compression tool, positioning it against the back of the piston and the rear of the caliper body. Compress slowly and evenly. Watch the master cylinder reservoir to ensure it does not overflow.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake pads and caliper
    If removed, reinstall brake pads and any anti-rattle clips or shims in their original positions. Pivot the caliper back down over the pads and rotor. Align the caliper bolt holes with the slide pins. Verify the caliper seats flush against the bracket.
12. 12

    Install and torque slide pin bolts
    Insert both caliper slide pin bolts and thread them by hand to prevent cross-threading. Using a torque wrench and 14mm socket, torque both slide pin bolts to exactly 35.0 Nm (26 lb-ft). This is a critical torque specification for proper caliper function and safety.
    ⚠️CRITICAL TORQUE SPEC: Under-torquing can allow caliper bolts to loosen and cause brake failure. Over-torquing can strip threads or break bolts.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-12 on the opposite front wheel. It is critical to service both front calipers to maintain balanced braking performance.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount the front wheels and install lug nuts by hand. Using a torque wrench, tighten lug nuts to 140.0 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern (cross pattern) to ensure even seating of the wheel.
    ⚠️Always torque lug nuts in a star pattern to prevent wheel damage and ensure proper seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Lower vehicle and finalize
    Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to unload jack stands. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid if needed.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all slide pin bolts are torqued to specification before driving
2. Verify brake fluid level is between MIN and MAX marks on master cylinder reservoir
3. Do not drive vehicle until brake pedal firmness is verified

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal 5-10 times. Pedal should become firm and maintain consistent height
• Start engine and verify brake pedal remains firm with no excessive travel
• Test brakes at low speed (5-10 mph) in a safe area to verify even braking with no pulling to either side
• Listen for any unusual noises during initial brake applications
• After test drive, visually inspect calipers for any signs of fluid leakage around slide pins or brake hoses
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after driving 50-100 miles

More procedures for this vehicle