Brake Caliper Slide Pins

Service 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 synthetic) × 1 — Use synthetic brake lubricant rated for slide pins
• Thread locker (medium strength) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent
• Brake cleaner spray × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chock behind rear wheel opposite the corner being serviced
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Lift vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking point and secure with jack stands
5. Remove wheel completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear side of the brake caliper (they face toward the engine). Using a 17mm socket, remove both slide pin bolts completely. Keep track of which bolt came from which position as they may have different lengths.
2. 2

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Carefully pivot the caliper upward and off the brake rotor. Support the caliper using a piece of wire, bungee cord, or by resting it on the suspension component. Never allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose as this can cause internal damage to the hose.
   ⚠️Do NOT let caliper hang by brake hose. Support it with wire or rest on suspension.
3. 3

   Remove slide pins from bracket
   The slide pins remain in the caliper bracket. Pull each slide pin straight out of the bracket by hand or with pliers if necessary. Note the condition of the rubber dust boots - if they are torn, cracked, or damaged, they should be replaced.
4. 4

   Clean slide pins and bracket bores
   Use brake cleaner spray to thoroughly clean both slide pins, removing all old grease and contamination. Clean the bores in the caliper bracket where the pins sit using brake cleaner and a clean rag. Use a wire brush if necessary to remove corrosion or buildup. Inspect pins for scoring, corrosion, or wear - replace if damaged.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean rubber dust boots
   Examine the rubber dust boots on the caliper bracket for any tears, cracks, or deterioration. Clean the inside of the boots with brake cleaner. If boots are damaged, they must be replaced to prevent contamination of the slide pins.
6. 6

   Apply silicone brake grease to slide pins
   Apply a thin, even coat of high-temperature silicone brake grease to the entire length of each slide pin shaft. Use only brake-specific silicone grease - do not use petroleum-based lubricants which will damage rubber components. The coating should be complete but not excessive.
   ⚠Use ONLY silicone brake grease. Petroleum-based products will destroy rubber boots.
7. 7

   Reinstall slide pins into bracket
   Insert each lubricated slide pin into its bore in the caliper bracket. Push fully into place ensuring the dust boot seats properly around the pin. The pins should slide smoothly in and out with light finger pressure. If binding occurs, remove, inspect, and re-lubricate.
8. 8

   Compress caliper piston if needed
   Before reinstalling the caliper, check if the piston needs to be compressed to fit over the brake pads. If piston protrudes too far, use a C-clamp or brake caliper tool to carefully push it back into the bore. This will push brake fluid back into the reservoir.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper onto bracket
   Position the caliper back over the brake rotor and pads, aligning the slide pin bolt holes. Ensure brake pads are properly seated in the bracket and caliper. The caliper should sit flush against the slide pins.
10. 10

    Install and torque slide pin bolts
    Apply a small amount of medium-strength thread locker to the threads of both caliper slide pin bolts. Thread both bolts in by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Using a torque wrench and 17mm socket, tighten both slide pin bolts to the specified torque value of 35 Nm (26 lb-ft). Do not overtighten.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Proper torque is essential for safe brake operation. Under-torqued bolts can loosen causing caliper detachment. Over-torquing can damage threads or seize pins.
    Torque spec

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

    Verify slide pin operation
    After torquing, verify the caliper can move freely on the slide pins by attempting to wiggle it slightly. There should be minimal play but smooth movement. Spin the brake rotor by hand to ensure no binding or dragging occurs.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the wheel back onto the hub, threading lug nuts on by hand. Lower vehicle until tire just touches ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat procedure for opposite side to ensure even brake performance
2. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off if needed with DOT 3 brake fluid
3. Before moving vehicle, pump brake pedal 10-15 times until firm pedal feel is achieved

Verification

• Pump brake pedal multiple times - it should feel firm and consistent without excessive travel
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area to verify proper operation before normal driving
• Listen for unusual noises during braking which could indicate improper installation
• After first 50-100 miles, re-check caliper slide pin bolt torque to ensure they have not loosened
• Monitor for uneven brake pad wear over next several thousand miles - uneven wear indicates slide pin binding

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