This procedure covers cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating 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 brake grease rated for caliper slide pins

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground, but do not remove
3. Safely raise vehicle and support on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Remove wheel completely and set aside
5. Inspect brake system for fluid leaks, damaged hoses, or worn pads before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper (facing the vehicle centerline). These are the smaller bolts that allow the caliper to slide. Using a 12mm socket or wrench, remove both slide pin bolts completely. Keep these bolts together as they will be reused.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Carefully lift the caliper assembly up and away from the brake rotor and bracket. The caliper will still be connected to the brake hose. Support the caliper using mechanics wire, a bungee cord, or place it on a secure stand to prevent stress on the brake hose. Do not let it hang freely.
   ⚠Never allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose alone. This can cause internal hose damage and brake failure.
3. 3

   Remove slide pins from bracket
   The slide pins remain in the caliper bracket. Pull each slide pin straight out of its bore in the bracket. If the pins are stuck, gently twist while pulling. Note the orientation and position of the rubber dust boots on each pin.
4. 4

   Inspect slide pins and boots
   Carefully examine each slide pin for scoring, corrosion, pitting, or wear. Inspect the rubber dust boots for tears, cracks, or deterioration. If any pins are damaged or boots are torn, these components must be replaced before reassembly. Minor surface oxidation can be cleaned.
   ⚠Damaged slide pins or torn boots will cause uneven braking and premature pad wear. Replace any damaged components.
5. 5

   Clean slide pins and bores
   Use brake parts cleaner and a clean lint-free rag to thoroughly remove all old grease from the slide pins. Clean the slide pin bores in the bracket using brake cleaner and a rag. For stubborn deposits in the bores, use a wire brush carefully to avoid damaging the bore surface. Ensure all surfaces are completely clean and dry before proceeding.
6. 6

   Apply fresh silicone brake grease
   Apply a thin, even coat of silicone brake grease to the entire smooth shaft of each slide pin. Do not over-apply; excess grease will attract dirt. Ensure the grease covers the full length that contacts the bore, but avoid getting grease on the threaded portion or rubber boots.
   ⚠Use only silicone-based brake grease. Petroleum-based greases will swell and destroy the rubber dust boots.
7. 7

   Reinstall slide pins
   Insert each lubricated slide pin back into its bore in the caliper bracket, ensuring the rubber dust boot seats properly in both the groove on the pin and the bracket. The pin should slide smoothly in and out with light finger pressure. If resistance is felt, remove the pin, check for debris, and relubricate.
8. 8

   Reinstall caliper
   If you compressed the caliper piston to make removal easier, ensure it is still retracted. Position the caliper back over the brake pads and rotor, aligning the slide pin bolt holes. Ensure brake pads are properly seated in the bracket before fully installing the caliper.
9. 9

   Install and torque slide pin bolts
   Thread both caliper slide pin bolts in by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Apply a small amount of silicone brake grease to the slide pin bolt threads and contact surfaces as specified. Using a torque wrench, tighten both slide pin bolts to exactly 35.0 Nm (26 lb-ft) in a crisscross pattern.
   ⚠️Proper torque is critical for brake safety. Under-torquing can cause bolts to loosen; over-torquing can damage threads or cause bolt failure.
   Torque spec

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

    Verify caliper movement
    With the caliper installed, use a large screwdriver or pry bar to gently push the caliper back and forth on the slide pins. The caliper should move smoothly with minimal resistance. If binding is present, remove the caliper and re-inspect the slide pins and lubrication.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel
    Place the wheel back onto the hub, ensuring it seats flush. Thread all lug nuts on by hand first. Using a torque wrench, tighten lug nuts to 140.0 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
    ⚠️Always torque lug nuts in a star pattern to prevent wheel runout and potential wheel detachment.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Repeat for remaining wheels
    Lower the vehicle, move to the next wheel, and repeat the entire procedure for each brake caliper requiring service. Front and rear calipers on this vehicle use the same slide pin specifications.

Reassembly

1. After all wheels are serviced and reinstalled, lower the vehicle completely to the ground
2. With the vehicle still in park or gear, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm and normal
3. Check brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir and top off with DOT 3 brake fluid if needed
4. Perform a final torque check on all wheel lug nuts with the vehicle on the ground

Verification

• Before driving, pump the brake pedal until firm resistance is felt. The pedal should not sink to the floor
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area to verify normal braking function and absence of pulling to one side
• Listen for any unusual noises during braking that might indicate improper reassembly
• After the first 50-100 miles, re-check all lug nuts for proper torque
• Verify that brake warning lights are not illuminated on the dashboard

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