Disc Brakes Cadillac Eldorado X

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

This article covers service and repair of conventional type brake components of Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). All models are equipped with ABS. During normal braking applications, conventional portion of braking system is used to apply brakes.

Conventional braking system components include, but are not limited to, a diagonally split master cylinder, power brake booster, brakelines and rear in-line proportioning valves. All models are equipped with front and rear disc brakes.

On all vehicles, BRAKE warning light comes on when one or more of the following conditions exist

1. Parking brake is applied or not fully released.
2. Fluid level in master cylinder reservoir is low.
3. During engine cranking. A bulb check is performed to indicate that the warning circuit is operational.

BLEEDING PROCEDURE

Note. All models are equipped with Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS), and may also have optional Traction Control System (TCS). For complete bleeding procedures for these systems, see BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM in ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article.

BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT & FREE PLAY

Brake pedal height and free play are not adjustable.

BRAKELIGHT SWITCH

Brakelight switch is a twist lock type switch. When installed properly in full-lock position (twisted clockwise until travel stop has been reached), switch is self-adjusting. Ensure brakelights do not stay on with brake pedal at rest.

BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL

Note. Brake pedal travel is not adjustable. Use the following procedure to determine if brake pedal travel is as specified.

1. With engine off, pump brake pedal until all vacuum reserve is exhausted from power brake booster. A definite change in pedal feel will occur. Release brake pedal. Install Brake Pedal Effort Gauge (J-28662) onto brake pedal. Hook end of tape measure over top of brake pedal. Measure and record distance to rim of steering wheel.
2. Apply 100 lbs. (45 kg) of force to brake pedal. Measure and record distance to rim of steering wheel again. Difference between measured values is brake pedal travel. If brake pedal travel exceeds 2 1/2" (64 mm), inspect brake system. Ensure brakes are properly adjusted and bled. Repair and replace as necessary. See BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM in «ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/anti-locktraction-control/#anti-lock-brake-system) article.

PARKING BRAKE (DISC)

Note. If a firm parking brake pedal feel cannot be achieved with less than one full stroke of parking brake pedal, check parking brake cable adjustment. If parking brake lever will not return to stop on caliper housing and parking brake cable is loose or disconnected, overhaul or replace rear caliper.

1. Press service brake pedal with about 150 lbs. (68.0 kg) of force and release. Apply parking brake 3 times with a force of about 125 lbs. (56.7 kg) and release.
2. To ensure parking brake pedal is fully released, turn ignition on. BRAKE indicator light on instrument panel should be off. If light is off, go to next step. If light is on and parking brake appears to fully released, depress push-to-release pedal and pull front parking brake cable downward to remove slack.
3. Raise and support vehicle. Check parking brake lever on each rear caliper. If levers are not against stops on caliper housings, check for binding in rear cables. Position levers against stops. Tighten parking brake cable at adjuster until left or right lever begins to move off stop.
4. Loosen cable adjuster until lever that moved off stop in previous step is again resting against stop. Both levers should now be resting against stop. Operate parking brake several times to check adjustment is correct. Firm brake pedal feel should be obtained when pressing pedal less than one full stroke.
5. Release parking brake and check that parking brake levers are resting on lever stops. Lower vehicle. Check operation of parking brake. If possible, place vehicle on a grade and check parking brake holding ability.

With Column Shift

See PARKING BRAKE RELEASE VALVE under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .

With Console Shift

1. Remove upper cover from center console for access to release valve. Place shift lever in Neutral. Loosen release valve mounting screws. Rotate release valve on shift lever assembly to align adjustment reference hole in carrier tang.
2. Insert a gauge pin (paper clip or similar object) in adjustment reference hole to keep holes aligned while tightening screws. Tighten screws. Remove gauge pin.
3. Check parking brake release system for proper operation. With ignition on, parking brake should hold in Park or Neutral, and release in Drive or Reverse. With ignition off, parking brake should hold with transaxle in any position. Install upper cover on center console.

BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR INOPERATIVE

Note. See INSTRUMENT PANEL article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT section.

Removal

1. Remove and discard 2/3 of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir to prevent overflow when servicing. Raise and support vehicle. Mark wheel in relation to hub. Remove front wheel. Install and finger-tighten 2 lug nuts with flat side toward rotor to hold rotor when caliper is removed.
2. If not completely removing caliper (such as for overhaul), go to next step. If completely removing caliper, remove bolt securing brake hose to caliper. Disconnect brake hose from caliper. Plug opening in brake hose and caliper to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
3. Position "C" clamp with stationary end of clamp on caliper housing and threaded end on outboard pad. Tighten "C" clamp until piston is pushed into bore far enough to slide caliper off rotor. Remove "C" clamp.
4. Remove caliper bolts and bushings. (Scheme 1) Remove caliper. If brake hose is still connected to caliper, hang caliper by wire so brake hose will not be damaged. Remove pads from caliper.

Installation

1. Liberally coat inner diameter of bushings with silicone grease. Install caliper. Install caliper bolts and bushings. If bolts slide through bushings using hand pressure, go to step 3).
2. If bolts do not slide through bushings using hand pressure, remove bolts and bushings. Inspect caliper bores for corrosion. If corroded, remove corrosion using 1" (25.4 mm) diameter wheel cylinder honing brush. Clean bores with clean denatured alcohol. Install and lubricate bushings. Install caliper bolts.
3. Tighten caliper bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brakes__torque-specifications) . If brake hose was not disconnected, go to next step. If brake hose was disconnected, connect brake hose to caliper. Tighten fitting bolt to specification. Bleed brake hydraulic system, and go to next step. See BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM in «ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/anti-locktraction-control/#anti-lock-brake-system) article.
4. Apply brakes several times to seat pads. Install wheel, aligning marks made during removal. Tighten wheel lug nuts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brakes__torque-specifications) . Fill brake fluid reservoir. Road-test vehicle.

Remove caliper. See FRONT BRAKE CALIPER. Slid caliper off rotor and support with wire. Remove outer pad from caliper, using screwdriver to disengage pad retainer buttons. (Scheme 1) Remove inner pad.

1. Clean outside surface of caliper piston boot with denatured alcohol. Bottom piston in caliper bore. Using small plastic or wood tool, lift inner edge of boot next to piston and press out any trapped air. Reposition boot so it lays flat with convolutions in proper position.
2. Install inner pad, snapping retainer into place in piston. Ensure pad lays flat against piston. Ensure boot is not touching pad. Install outer pad with wear sensor facing downward. Ensure pad lays flat against caliper. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brakes__torque-specifications) .

Removal & Installation

Remove caliper and wire aside. See FRONT BRAKE CALIPER . Mark rotor in relation to hub for installation reference. Remove rotor. To install, reverse removal procedure. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Scheme 1

1. Remove and discard 2/3 of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir to prevent overflow when servicing. Release parking brake. Raise and support vehicle. Mark wheel in relation to hub. Remove wheel. Install and finger-tighten 2 lug nuts with flat side toward rotor to hold rotor when caliper is removed.
2. If not completely removing caliper (such as for overhaul), go to next step. If completely removing caliper, remove bolt securing brake hose to caliper. Disconnect brake hose from caliper. Plug opening in brake hose and caliper to prevent fluid loss and contamination. Lift up end of cable spring clip and disconnect parking brake cable from parking brake lever. (Scheme 2)
3. Remove bolt and washer securing cable support bracket to caliper body. Remove sleeve bolt. Pivot caliper upward to clear rotor. Slide caliper inboard off pin sleeve to remove caliper. Hang caliper by wire if brake hose is still connected.

1. Check bolt sleeve and pin sleeve for corrosion. Replace if corroded. DO NOT polish to remove corrosion. If brake caliper was not replaced, remove pin boot from caliper. Install small end over pin sleeve (installed on caliper support) until boot is seated in pin groove. This will prevent cutting pin boot when sliding caliper onto pin sleeve.
2. Slide caliper over end of pin sleeve until caliper approaches pin boot. Work large end of pin boot in caliper groove. Push caliper fully onto pin. Pivot caliper downward, using care not to damage piston boot on inboard pad. As caliper moves into position, compress sleeve boot by hand to prevent boot damage.
3. After caliper is in position, recheck installation of pad clips. If necessary, use a small screwdriver to seat or center pad clips on support abutments. Install sleeve bolt. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brakes__torque-specifications) . Install cable support bracket (with cable attached), washer and bolt.
4. If caliper was not completely removed, go to next step. If caliper was completely removed, lift up end of cable spring clip and work end of parking brake cable into notch in lever to connect end of cable to lever. Connect brake hose to caliper. Tighten fitting bolt to specification. Bleed brake system. See BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM in «ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/anti-locktraction-control/#anti-lock-brake-system) article.
5. Install wheel, aligning marks made during removal. Tighten wheel lug nuts to specification. Apply brakes several times to seat pads against rotor. Fill brake fluid reservoir. Road-test vehicle.

Pivot caliper upward. See REAR BRAKE CALIPER. Remove outer and inner pads. (Scheme 2) Remove pad clips.

1. Using spanner wrench in caliper piston slots, rotate piston until bottomed in caliper. Align slots in piston so protrusions on pads will align with slots when pads are installed. Using small plastic or wood tool, lift inner edge of boot next to piston and press out any trapped air. Reposition boot so it lays flat with convolutions in proper position.
2. Install NEW pad clips onto caliper support. Install pads onto caliper support. Wear sensor on outer pad must be positioned downward. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure. Ensure boot is not touching pad.

Remove caliper and wire aside. See REAR BRAKE CALIPER . Mark rotor in relation to hub for installation reference. Remove rotor. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 2

Using clamping pliers, pinch off hose near master cylinder reservoir between master cylinder and pressure modulator. Disconnect reservoir hose. Remove fluid from reservoir with a bulb syringe. Disconnect fluid level sensor electrical connector. Disconnect brakelines from master cylinder. Remove master cylinder from brake booster.

To install, reverse removal procedure. Use DOT 3 brake fluid. Bench bleed master cylinder before installation. Bleed brake system as necessary. See BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM in ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article. Tighten master cylinder nuts and brakeline fittings to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

1. Using clamping pliers, pinch off hose near master cylinder reservoir between master cylinder and pressure modulator. Disconnect reservoir hose. Remove diaphragm and cap. Remove fluid from reservoir with a bulb syringe.
2. Disconnect fluid level sensor electrical connector. Remove pins secure reservoir to master cylinder. Tap back pins until clear of reservoir, being careful not to damage reservoir or master cylinder. Remove cross-car brace for access, if necessary. Remove reservoir and reservoir seals.

Lubricate NEW reservoir seals with brake fluid. Use DOT 3 brake fluid. Install seals. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure. Fill master cylinder. Bleed brake system. See BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM in ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article.

Disconnect vacuum hose from booster check valve. Without disconnecting hydraulic lines, remove master cylinder from power booster and position aside. Under instrument panel, remove nuts securing booster to firewall. Without putting undue sideways pressure on push rod, tilt booster slightly to work push rod off of brake pedal. Remove booster.

To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Adjust brakelight switch. See BRAKELIGHT SWITCH under ADJUSTMENTS.

Proportioning valves are located in line with each rear brakeline. (Scheme 3) Raise vehicle. Clean proportioning valve(s) and brakeline connections using denatured alcohol to assure no contamination. Disconnect brakelines from proportioning valve(s) and remove proportioning valve(s).

To install, reverse removal procedure. Bleed brake system. See BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM in ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article.

Scheme 3

Removal (With Column Shift)

Remove knee bolster (cover panel) for access to steering column. Lower steering column for access to release valve. Disconnect vacuum hose harness from release valve. Remove 2 retaining straps securing release valve to column shift tube. Remove release valve.

1. Move shift lever to Neutral. Position release valve on column with carrier tang inserted into slot in column shift tube. (Scheme 4) If installing a previously installed release valve, go to st ep 3).
2. If installing NEW release valve, tighten retaining straps. Move shift lever to Park. NEW release valve is equipped with a plastic pin that pins the carrier tang to the release valve body. Pin provides automatic adjustment and shears off when shifter is moved out of Neutral. Go to step 5).
3. Position gauge hole in carrier tang to align with gauge hole in release valve body. Insert gauge pin into gauge holes to keep holes aligned while mounting and securing release valve. NOTE: Since gauge pin used to align hole in carrier tang with hole in release valve body is inaccessible when installed, it must be made from material that will shear (such as a broom straw or toothpick). Use only the minimum length necessary.
4. Install release valve on column jacket, ensuring release valve carrier tang engages slot in shift tube. Tighten upper retaining strap. Position lower retaining strap so strap tang engages small slot in column jacket and strap retainers snaps are at about 5 o'clock position as viewed from driver seat. Tighten retainer strap.
5. Connect vacuum hose connector. Check parking brake release system for proper operation. With ignition on, parking brake should hold in Park or Neutral, and release in Drive or Reverse. With ignition off, parking brake should hold with transaxle in any position. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

Removal (With Console Shift)

Remove center console for access to transaxle shift lever assembly. (Scheme 5) Remove tie strap and disconnect vacuum hose connector from release valve. Remove 2 screws securing release valve to shift lever assembly. Remove release valve.

1. Place shift lever in Neutral. Position release valve on shift lever assembly, inserting carrier tang into slot on shift lever. If installing a previously installed release valve, go to step 3).
2. If installing NEW release valve, tighten screws securing release valve to shift lever assembly. Move shift lever to Park. NEW release valve is equipped with a plastic pin that automatically adjusts release valve and shears off when shifter is moved out of Neutral. Go to step 4).
3. Rotate valve on release lever to align adjustment reference hole with hole in carrier tang. Insert a gauge pin (paper clip or similar object) in adjustment reference hole to keep holes aligned while tightening screws. Tighten screws. Remove gauge pin.
4. Connect vacuum hose connector to release valve. Install NEW tie strap on release valve. Check parking brake release system for proper operation. With ignition on, parking brake should hold in Park or Neutral, and release in Drive or Reverse. With ignition off, parking brake should hold with transaxle in any position. Install center console.

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

OVERHAUL

Note. Master cylinder and power booster units are no longer serviceable and must be replaced as an assembly.

FRONT CALIPER

1. Remove caliper from vehicle. Remove caliper bushings and inspect. Replace bushings if nicked, worn or damaged. Using a clean shop towel to pad interior of caliper, remove piston using compressed air at caliper inlet port. Inspect piston for scoring, nicks, corrosion and worn or damaged chrome plating. Replace as necessary.
2. Using non-metalic tools to avoid scratching, remove boot from piston and piston seal from caliper. Inspect caliper bore for scoring, corrosion, nicks and wear. Using crocus cloth, clean out caliper bore. If corrosion will not clean off of seal groove, replace caliper housing.
3. Clean all parts with denatured alcohol. Dry with compressed air. Blow out passages in caliper and bleeder valves. Install bleeder valves and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brakes__torque-specifications) .
4. Lubricate new piston seal and install into caliper bore groove. Lubricate boot and install onto piston. Install piston and boot into caliper bore, pushing piston to bottom of caliper bore. Using Dust Boot Seal Installer (J-26267), seat boot into caliper housing. Lubricate beveled end of bushings with silicone grease. Install bushings into mounting bores, beveled end first.

REAR CALIPERS

1. Remove caliper from vehicle. Remove caliper pins and bushings and inspect for nicks or damage. Replace as necessary. Using a clean shop towel to pad interior of caliper, remove piston using low pressure compressed air at caliper inlet port. Or remove piston using a spanner wrench to remove threaded piston assembly out of caliper.
2. Using non-metalic tools to avoid scratching, remove boot from piston. Remove piston seal from caliper. Inspect caliper bore for scoring, corrosion, nicks and wear. Remove bleeder valve. Remove pin boot, bolt boot, bolt and sleeve from caliper body. Remove pin bolt and pin sleeve from caliper support. Remove lever spring, if replacing spring.
3. Clean all parts with denatured alcohol. Dry with compressed air. Blow out passages in caliper and bleeder valves. Inspect caliper bore and piston for scoring, nicks, cracks, corrosion and wear. Replace as necessary. Do not hone caliper bore. Check seal groove for nicks or burrs, replace caliper housing if found.
4. Install pin bolts and pin sleeves to caliper support. Lube outside diameter of boot with silicone grease. Install sleeve boot, with silicone grease, through caliper. Push bolt sleeve through lip end of boot until boot seats in sleeve groove at other end. Install bolt boot onto caliper body. Install pin boot over sleeve (installed on caliper support). Install lever return spring.
5. Install bleeder valves and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brakes__torque-specifications) . Lubricate new piston seal and install into caliper bore groove. Lubricate boot and install onto piston. Install piston and boot into caliper bore, thread into bottom of caliper using spanner wrench. Seat boot ring into counter bore of caliper body. Ensure not to pinch boot. Remove any trapped air in boot. Boot must lay flat.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

DISC BRAKE SPECIFICATIONS

FRONT DISC BRAKE SPECIFICATIONS

REAR DISC BRAKE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
• INSTRUMENT PANEL
• REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
• FRONT BRAKE CALIPER
• BRAKELIGHT SWITCH