Ok guys, newbee question here. I'm in the process of installing new rotors and pads for my front brakes. I was able to get the old rotor off and take off the old pads. That's when I ran into a problem. The new ones (pads) look too thick. There's a bolt to adjust the caliper but I can't adjust it so it's large enough to go on the rotor. There's a thing that pushes on the pads (don't know the name) that moves everytime I push on the brakes. The problem is that I can't get it to retract, the pressure is always there. How can I make that thing go back so I can fit the new pads?

Not sure that was clear enough... if not please ask for the precisions.

 

In order to make the new pads fit, you must compress (or retract) the caliper piston. I did this by buying a caliper/piston compressor at the local autoparts store. It's basically a special vise designed specifically for disc brake calipers. You can also use a C-clamp to compress the calipers. Once the caliper piston is pushed in, the new pads should has just enough clearance to fit.

Just head to your local parts store, and tell them what you stuck on - they'll help you out with the necessary tool.

 

While you have the caliper off, make sure you pull the slider pins out and lubricate them really good. I forgot to when I did my rear disc swap, and my brakes sucked until I did. It really does make a night and day difference.

 

Really? When I did my brakes I didn't bother with the pins... Perhaps I ought to pull them out and lube them. What did you use to coat them with? Silicone grease?

 

you might want to open your master cylinder cap too, and watch in case brake fluid spills over.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MrTodd &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Really? When I did my brakes I didn't bother with the pins... Perhaps I ought to pull them out and lube them. What did you use to coat them with? Silicone grease?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I used all purpose grease, but if I had my choice I would have used white lithium.

 

Thanks a lot, I'll finish the installation tonight. I look forward to the testing of those new brakes.

 

I just did rotors and pads on all four corners of my integra, and just had a quick question for you guys.

Is it okay to use a c-clamp on the rear caliper piston to compress it to fit the new pads and caliper down over the rotors? Or do you have to use the special tool that you get from autozone or other stores?

I saw in another post that it was not a good idea to use a c-clamp on the rear pistons like we do the fronts? Why is this? And is it true?

Thanks,
JP

 

The front calipers need to be pressed in with a c-clamp, but the rears need to be turned in. I turned mine in with a pair of needle nose pliers, clockwise I believe. Not quite sure why, but I'm willing to bet it has to do with the parking brake on the rears.

 

So what happens if you press them in with a c-clamp?

I hope I have not done any damage to the calipers....

JP

 

Not quite sure, but my guess is that the rear caliper piston is threaded. I hope you didn't press them too hard, or you may have messed up the threads.

 

damn, i know someone who used the c clamp method on his brakes, but they are fine. different make though, mazda. good info though, now i won't make that mistake