Disk Brake Pad Replacement - Heads Up

[Rams-n-Hogs]

Don't know about the new trucks, because I haven't looked it up, yet, but my 96 manual specifically says not to turn the rotors, unless they have problems. And c-clamps are what I use to compress the caliper piston.



Jim

 

[rbattelle]

Like others, I've never opened the bleeder on any vehicle before pressing in the piston. Admittedly, I probably should. Also, I don't bother to turn my rotors unless they're grooved or the pedal vibrates; and even then, I don't turn them - I just replace them.



I think glav's point to asking about pressing the pistons in is that there are 2 pistons! Do you press one at a time, or do you use a block of wood to span the two and press them both simultaneously?



Probably doesn't matter either way... whichever works best for you. When I do it I'll probably do both at the same time using one of the old pads.



-Ryan

 

[DPKetchum]

I WAS going to mention that G. M and D. C. had LOTS of memos and even VIDEO tapes come down the pipeline to techs about WHEN to turn rotors and if all possable NOT to turn etc. My 2000 Mercury Gran Marquis(rwd 4. 6)just got a set of factory pads on all four at 70k with nothing turned. Stops great,no pulsation or noise etc.

 

[glav]

Will take another Look at the Calipers

Well I didn't notice the position of the bleeder screws, now I got to go and check that. I can tell you that the "Anti Rattler Clips" and there is a finger on one end that sets on the outside of the Caliper Mounting bracket. That finger was up on one side and down on the other. Now did not notice if the passenger side caliper could have been mounted wrong. But will check this weekend.



I tried to use a 6" C clamp and the caliper is too wide. As far as pushing the fluid back into the proportional (SP??) valve, my service manual says to use the C clamp and slowly compress the caliper piston. So we will see soon I hope!

So Happy New Year to all and Travel Safely

 

[DPKetchum]

IF a bleeder is point DOWN THEY won't bleed. Can't get the air out even with a power bleeder and no brake pedal to speak of.

 

[evldsl]

A little trick i have used is before trying to open the bleeder, give it a couple of smacks with a ball peen hammer. Then try and open. This has worked for me with great success. But there has still been a couple of times when a little heat was needed. As far as the calipers being mirror identical, that would have mean't that the bleeder was at the bottom. I think if you look again, you will find that is not the case.

OUCH!

 

[jwduke]

I like to take some light grade sand paper & run over my rotors, kinda breaks rotors to the new pads easier.

 

[glav]

Bleeder Valve on Top

I took some pictures of the brake caliper on the passenger side. As you can see (hopefully if the picture is clear enough), the bleeder valve is on top (just above the screwdriver). The screwdriver is an attempt to compress the caliper pistons. After compressing them and pushing back the caliper bolts, the caliper was able to be lifted out with no problems. The "Anti Rattling Clip" at the top of this picture is on the bottom on the drivers side.