Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Front Brake Caliper Overhaul

Disassembly Procedure

Warning:

Refer to Brake Dust Warning.

Warning:

Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning.

Warning:

Do not place fingers in front of the caliper piston(s) in an attempt to catch or protect it when applying compressed air. The piston(s) can fly out with force and could result in serious bodily injury.

Caution:

Use clean cloths to pad interior of caliper housing during piston removal. Use just enough air to ease the pistons out of the bores. If the pistons are blown out, even with the padding provided, it may be damaged.

1. Remove the brake caliper from the vehicle. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement.



2. Remove the brake caliper piston from the caliper bore by directing low pressure compressed air into the caliper (1) through the fluid inlet hole.

   
   

3. Remove the piston dust boot seal (1) from the seal counterbore in the caliper (4). Discard the boot seal.
4. Using a small wooden or plastic tool, remove the piston seal (3) from the caliper bore. Discard the piston seal.
5. Remove the bleeder valve cap (6).
6. Remove the bleeder valve  (5).

Note:

Do not use abrasives to clean the brake caliper piston.

7. If cracks, scoring, pitting, excessive rust, and/or excessive corrosion are present in the caliper bore, replace the caliper assembly.
8. If light rust or light corrosion are present in the caliper bore, attempt to remove the imperfection with a fine emery paper. If the imperfection cannot be removed, replace the caliper assembly.
9. Clean the brake caliper piston bore and seal counterbore, and the caliper piston with denatured alcohol, or equivalent.
10. Dry the caliper piston bore and counterbore, and the piston with non-lubricated, filtered, compressed air.
11. Inspect the caliper piston for cracks, scoring, and/or damage to the plating. Replace the caliper piston if any of these conditions exist.
12. Inspect the caliper mounting holes for cracks, scoring, pitting, rust and/or excessive corrosion. Replace the caliper assembly if any of these conditions exist.

Assembly Procedure

1. Lubricate the new piston seal (3) with brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
2. Install the lubricated, new piston seal into the caliper bore.
3. Apply a thin coat of brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.


4. Install the new piston dust boot seal (1) over the caliper piston (2).
5. Install the bottom half of the caliper piston into the caliper bore.
6. Compress the caliper piston to the bottom of the caliper bore.
7. Fully seat the piston dust boot seal into caliper counterbore.

Caution:

Refer to Fastener Caution.

8. Install the bleeder valve to the caliper.

• J93, J94: Tighten the valve to  17 Y (13 lb ft)

• JPW, J97: Tighten the valve to  9 Y (80 lb in)

Install the bleeder valve cap.

Install the brake caliper to the vehicle. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement.

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