Joined: Fri Mar 13 2009, 11:21AM
Location: San Marcos, CA
Posts: 713
I was wondering of anyone has had trouble putting new pads over the rotor? The springs in the caliper keep pushing the pads out. I ended up purchasing a tool to push the pads back against the pistons. It took me hours to get them completely pushed back to get them to go over the rotor. It didn't seem to have more than 0.050" clearance around the rotor. I ended up bending the tool to push the very inside edge of the pad in completely and got the brake job done. Does anyone have any advice for how to do this more easily? Thanks
Joined: Wed Aug 11 2010, 10:15AM
Location: E WA
Posts: 1230
66_monaco_500 wrote ...
I was wondering of anyone has had trouble putting new pads over the rotor? The springs in the caliper keep pushing the pads out. I ended up purchasing a tool to push the pads back against the pistons. It took me hours to get them completely pushed back to get them to go over the rotor. It didn't seem to have more than 0.050" clearance around the rotor. I ended up bending the tool to push the very inside edge of the pad in completely and got the brake job done. Does anyone have any advice for how to do this more easily? Thanks
I replaced the pads recently in the Budd brakes on my 1969 LeBaron.
I was having the same issue that you describe that the springs pus the pads too close to get the pads over the rotor.
My solution was to cut a piece of wood the correct thickness to hold the pads apart enough to fit over the rotor.
Drive the piece of wood between the pads and then as you install the caliper over the rotor, the rotor will push the piece of wood out.
It is easy and quick.
And as you observe, very little clearance available.
Joined: Sat Aug 25 2007, 11:47AM
Location: new jersey
Posts: 367
I just bought 2 new Cardone reman calipers for my 67 wagon. The springs that replace the old ones are a heavier wire behind the pistons than original spec. As stated get a wooden block and keep them in place until theyre slid over the rotor.
Joined: Sat Mar 29 2008, 03:36PM
Location: North eastern Wis.
Posts: 1638
What year car? I never tried a piece of wood. Not sure I understand the process. I never had a problem with the retaining springs either. Unaware of springs behind the piston. Am I not reading this right? Not sure I understand the problem. I always use the big C-clamp method myself. Just compress the piston and the calipers drop right on.
Joined: Fri Mar 13 2009, 11:21AM
Location: San Marcos, CA
Posts: 713
1966 through 1969 C's have a 4 piston fixed caliper made by Budd. There is no way to put a "C" clamp around it because the caliper has the pistons on both sides of the rotor.
Joined: Fri May 08 2009, 10:41PM
Location: Finger Lakes, NY
Posts: 315
flj wrote ...
66_monaco_500 wrote ...
I was wondering of anyone has had trouble putting new pads over the rotor? The springs in the caliper keep pushing the pads out. I ended up purchasing a tool to push the pads back against the pistons. It took me hours to get them completely pushed back to get them to go over the rotor. It didn't seem to have more than 0.050" clearance around the rotor. I ended up bending the tool to push the very inside edge of the pad in completely and got the brake job done. Does anyone have any advice for how to do this more easily? Thanks
I replaced the pads recently in the Budd brakes on my 1969 LeBaron.
I was having the same issue that you describe that the springs pus the pads too close to get the pads over the rotor.
My solution was to cut a piece of wood the correct thickness to hold the pads apart enough to fit over the rotor.
Drive the piece of wood between the pads and then as you install the caliper over the rotor, the rotor will push the piece of wood out.
It is easy and quick.
And as you observe, very little clearance available.
Good luck.
I did the wood block thing on my 68 Monaco 500 before I sold it. Those are some big honking brakes!