Archived brake help!

[JSchutz]

Changing the front pads. New pads are in but I can't get enough separation to get the new pads over the rotors. Do I have to bleed fluid or what else. Thanks, Jeff

 

[LandShark]

Just pry them apart. A screw driver usually works for me, or a small c-clamp will do it. No need to bleed.

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

Like Landshark said, you have to open the caliper up to fit the new pads in. The caliper pistons need to be pushed back into the caliper housings. Use a C-Clamp to push them back in. Then you'll have planty of room for the new pads. Now... REMEMBER TO PUMP THE BRAKES BEFORE MOVING THE TRUCK!!! The pedal will drop to the floor a few times until the pads reach to rotors again. You won't have any brakes until the pedal is hard again.

Joe

 

[Woodenhead]

I usually take a C-Clamp and push the piston in the caliper back in before putting the new pads in place. This should give plenty of clearance to get the caliper back on. Never done brakes on an '03 but I can't see it being any different. A pry bar or screw driver as mentioned above should work to push the piston in too.

 

[Woodenhead]

Beat me by a couple minutes .



If someones topped off the fluid at any time then it'll run out the top of the reservoir as you push the pistons in.

 

[jmadden]

I usually leave the old pad in place while using a c-clamp to push the piston back in... for about $10 you can buy the brake tool for pushing it back in but not sure it's worth it. If you topped off the fluid before pushing the piston in... a turkey baster [sp?] works great for removing some fluid before it gets forced out of the reservoir.