Brake Caliper - only one bolt/pin?
 

Just replaced brake pads on 01 saturn sc2. I think its probably common - that the bolt/pins are VERY difficult to loosen/remove. What I noticed on the driver side - after I finally was able to remove the lower bolt/pin - I could then rotate the entire caliper without removing the upper pin. I could then slide it out - replace the pads - then just slide it back in (without every untightening the upper pin). I was like the upper pin was only connected to the caliper - and not any kind of bracket. Is this normal? And if so - seems like a good tip on an easier way to do these - as the upper bolt/pin seemed harder on the passenger side too (as its thicket, etc). Or do I have a broken bracket or something like that I need to look at? Brakes seemed to work find after the repair - but want to be sure.

Thanks in advance.

That's the way they're designed. The top pin will just slide out if you pull on it. Then, under the rubber boot you'll notice a fitting that you can put a wrench on and take the caliper loose, in case you ever need to replace it. Trust me, the whole thing will come off when you look at it properly. Get yourself a Haynes manual or a Factory Service Manual if you plan on keeping the car and doing your own wrenching.

Thanks
 

Good to know:). I was using Autozone and Youtube for examples. No-one recommended just removing the bottom bolt/pin though. I think thats a good tip for others.

Yep, just remove the bottom bolt, put a screwdriver between the caliper and rotor and pry it up. Remove the outer pad and you can use the inner one along with your screwdriver to compress the caliper piston. Just be sure to remove the master cylinder cap and put a rag under it first. Then, after you put your new pads on, just get in the car, hit the brakes a couple of times, top off the brake fluid (if needed) and happy motoring. No need to even bleed them.

thanks!
 

thanks for the confirmation. Maybe this can also help some others doing it for the first time.

You're welcome. That's what we're here for.

Never woulda thunk it, and I've been driving Satty's since 92....

Outside the box is always good

Thanks

Before anti-lock brakes I used to do what Rubehayseed said. Now I open the bleeder when I push the piston back into the caliper. I do not want to push severely heat cycled fluid back through the anti-lock brake unit. After you install the new pads and reassemble the brakes, pump up the pedal and top off the fluid. This also helps with a fluid change. :)

Good point, Andy. I didn't think about ABS. I know some of the S-series have them and some don't. I had an SC 1 that did and an SC 2 that didn't. Strange.