I'm replacing the rear brakes on my 05 Impala, and I have messed up bad. I took of the rotors to have them refaced, but when I went to put them back on, it seems that my caliper pins are 2 different types. One is smooth with the threads on the end, the other has a small rubber seal at the end of it. I didnt even notice when I removed them or I would have seen which one came from which hole. Any help would be GREATLY appreicated. The wife has to work in the morning, and this is not something I want to chance to guessing which one goes where. Thanks guys!!

txgreasemonkey

You normally have a caliper bolt, pin boot, sleeve, and sleeve boot. Wipe items with a clean rag. Apply silicone grease to the sleeve, pin boot, and sleeve boot. Slide sleeve into caliper body, making sure the sleeve boot engages the machined groove around the sleeve. Likewise, ensure the rim of the pin boot engages the machined groove on the caliper and on the sleeve. Install caliper bolt and torque to 20 lb-ft.

Remember, you really should bleed the complete brake system with an ABS approved brake fluid, such as Valvoline SynPower Brake Fluid. Use a one-man speed bleeder, like I discuss in the "sticky."

cnyle

Thanks txgreasemonkey for the reply. But the main problem I am having is with the 2 different types of bolts. I dont know which one came out of which hole on the caliper. I have been searching high and low but it seems no one has ever ran across this problem.

txgreasemonkey

I believe the one with the small rubber boot on it that you are describing goes to the upper caliper pin.

cnyle

GREAT job greasemonkey! I had to get this problem figured out tonight, so I went by my local Chevy dealership and slid under one of their 05 Impala's and sure enough the bolt with the taller head (which is the one with the seal) is located on the top of the caliper. If I had waited just a bit longer I would have gotten my answer from you, instead of taking a chance of raising an eyebrow of our local law enforcement, lol. Thanks so much for your help!! Charles.

txgreasemonkey

If you want the best brakes you have ever had, be sure to replace the fluid. It's a key secret to good brakes. Do this every 2 years. You purge air, moisture, crud, and replace corrosion protection--which is extremely important on ABS brakes. Failure to do this can result in corrosion and a $2,000+ repair bill. It also allows you to be able to do a brake job and not have the rebuild or replace calipers for many years. It will save you a small fortune over time. It will also give you much safer and better reponsive brakes.

P.S. The new Impalas, I'm sure, are great cars. Be sure and use synthetic engine oil and transmission fluid--you'll be glad you did.