Expert: Robert Summers - 9/30/2008

Question
Hi Robert, I know you are a Chevy man but the Astro van is so close to my Safari that I hope you can answer. I have a problem replacing the rear pads  on my 2003 Safari. I wonder what the trick is to removing the 2 bolts holding the calipers?
I have a 1997 Safari and changed the pads with no problems but GM changed the design of the calipers , the bolts don't go all the way through and there is no hole, so there is no hole in the front to push the bolts out to the rear, There are only 2 white dots about where the holes are supposed to be. Also the bolts (12mm head) turn rather hard . They turn but will not come out and the top bolt looks like it could hit the brake line when it is coming out ?
Do you know the trick?
I have a book for my old 1997 Safari but it's no help for this new caliper design.
                          Thanks, Jurgen

Answer
Hi Jurgen.... i have never run into that ...but you can change pads by removing the pad saddle...there should be two 18mm head bolt that hold the whole caliper and saddle assembly to the rear end ...remove those bolts and take off. you should be able to remove the pads , collaspe the caliper then reinstall the pads... hope this helps