Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra. Service manual — part 1508

Fig. 9: Compressing Caliper Piston
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

4. Inspect for smooth and complete travel of the caliper pistons into the caliper bores:

The movement of the caliper pistons into the caliper bores should be smooth and even. If the
caliper piston is frozen or difficult to bottom, the caliper requires overhaul or replacement.

Insert a discarded inner brake pad (2) or block of wood in front of the pistons. Using 2 large
C-clamps (1) installed over the body of the caliper (3) and against the brake pad or block of
wood, slowly bottom the pistons evenly into the bores.

FRONT DISC BRAKE MOUNTING AND HARDWARE INSPECTION

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 BRAKES Disc Brakes - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

1. Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.

2. If the brake fluid level is midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum

allowable level then no brake fluid needs to be removed from the reservoir before
proceeding.

3. If the brake fluid level is higher than midway between the maximum-full point and the

minimum allowable level then remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.

4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .

5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and

Installation .

Fig. 10: View Of Disc Brake Pads & Brake Caliper Mounting Bracket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: Refer to Brake Dust Caution .

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 BRAKES Disc Brakes - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

6. Grasp the brake caliper housing and try to move the brake caliper housing up/down and

forward/reverse in relation to the brake caliper mounting bracket. If excessive looseness is
observed the brake caliper bracket bushings and/or the brake caliper mounting bolts may
need to be replaced.

7. Compress the front caliper pistons.

Install a large C-clamp over the top of the caliper housing and against the back of the
outboard pad.

Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the pistons are pushed completely into the caliper
bores.

Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

8. With the pistons compressed into the caliper bores, grasp the brake caliper housing and slide

it back and forth on the brake caliper mounting bolts. Check for smooth operation. If the
brake caliper housing slide force is high or the brake caliper housing does not slide
smoothly, inspect the brake caliper mounting bolts and/or the brake caliper mounting
bracket bushings for wear or damage. If wear or damage conditions are found, replacement
of the brake caliper mounting bolts and/or the brake caliper mounting bracket bushings is
necessary.

9. Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts from the brake caliper mounting bracket and

support the brake caliper using heavy mechanics wire. Do Not remove the hydraulic brake
hose from the caliper. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement (JH6, JH7) or Front
Brake Caliper Replacement (JD9, JF3, JF7).

10. Remove the disc brake pads from the brake caliper mounting bracket.

11. Inspect the disc brake pad mounting hardware for the following:

Missing mounting hardware

Excessive corrosion

Bent mounting tabs

Looseness at the brake caliper mounting bracket

Looseness at the disc brake pads

Excessive contaminants in the brake caliper mounting bracket surface and threads.

12. If any of the conditions listed are found, the disc brake pad mounting hardware requires

replacement.

13. Ensure the disc brake pads are held firmly in place on the brake caliper mounting bracket,

yet slide easily on the mounting hardware without binding.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 BRAKES Disc Brakes - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

Fig. 11: View Of Caliper, Pin, Boots & Caliper Mounting Bracket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

14. Inspect the caliper bolts (1) for the following:

Binding

Seizing

Looseness in the brake caliper mounting bracket (3)

Bent or damaged brake caliper mounting bolts

Cracked or torn boots (4)

Missing boots

Bent or damaged brake caliper mounting bracket (3)

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 BRAKES Disc Brakes - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado