Brake Pads wont go in

luvndasun · 04-06-2005, 08:26 AM

I was putting S Calipers on, after torquing them down I tried to slide my brake pads in. The pads wouldn't go in. I could get one side in easily, but when I tried to put the second pad in, it has to be forced. When I try to press the piston back, it doesn't seem to go back far enough and then it wont stay depressed. Any help would be great. Thx.

tobluforu · tobluforu's Garage

Do you have the brake res. cap off? If not make sure it is and put a bunch of rags around it so when you try and push the piston back, all sorts of fluid does not ruin the paint inside your trunk. How old are the calipers? Are they rebuilt or old-could be frozen??? Be carefull when pushing the pistons back in because you can ruin the seal if you go to far. Do you have the right brake pads?

IROC · IROC's Garage

To embellish tobluforu's suggestion, I merely crack open the bleed valve while simultaneously compressing the piston. When I get the piston where I want it, I close the bleed vavle and the piston stays put.

Mike

Wil Ferch · 04-06-2005, 08:56 AM

Another issue...I believe the pads used for the "S" is the same pad as used for the "A" calipers...but in one case the pads are 10mm thick...and in another case the pad material is 13 mm thick....

Make sure you have the right pads.....

Wil

luvndasun · 04-06-2005, 10:52 AM

I dont have the bleed valve cracked...ooops, I'll try that tonight. I'll also measure the pads to be sure that they are correct. I bought the calipers from the 911 Calssifieds here, they had the pads in them already, and I was told that they were rebuilt. Other than that I dont know the history of them. Thx for the help, hopefully I can get them in tonight.

luvndasun · 04-06-2005, 10:52 AM

I dont have the bleed valve cracked...ooops, I'll try that tonight. I actually tried to crack one last night but could not get it loose. Looks like I need a big pair of vice grips. I'll also measure the pads to be sure that they are correct. I bought the calipers from the 911 Calssifieds here, they had the pads in them already, and I was told that they were rebuilt. Other than that I dont know the history of them. Thx for the help, hopefully I can get them in tonight.

mperkins · 04-06-2005, 01:51 PM

this exact thing happened to me. I ended up rebuilding all 4 calipers - which was well worth the effort. You can buy the caliper rebuild kit from our host.

Steve Marshall · 04-07-2005, 05:27 PM

Is there almost enough opening to get the pad in? If so I think you just need to pry the piston in harder. I have a big screw driver with the tip broken off that I keep just for this purpose. Get the pad started, tap it in with a hammer. I've done this many times and never had a problem.

If the calper is siezed and won't budge at all it's time for a rebuild.

tycharle964 · 04-07-2005, 05:58 PM

giant channel locks work well for squeezing the piston back in and give you some force if you have them lying around

Diesel_mp5 · 04-07-2005, 07:05 PM

Hi,,, If it still sticks try to twist the piston to break it loose.. and then rebuild them... Ask me how I know....lol Be SAFE.....

RoninLB · 04-07-2005, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wil Ferch
Another issue...I believe the pads used for the "S" is the same pad as used for the "A" calipers...but in one case the pads are 10mm thick...and in another case the pad material is 13 mm thick....

S pads has same length and height etc as the A, but is 13mm thick.

Wil Ferch · 04-08-2005, 02:43 AM

RoninLB:

I knew it was something like that.....so the "A" is 10mm thick, and "S" is 13mm ??

Wil

RoninLB · 04-08-2005, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wil Ferch

.....so the "A" is 10mm thick, and "S" is 13mm ??

yes.. I rebuilt the "S" using the SS pistons and needed to fab a couple of hard lines for the install.. no big deal.

luvndasun · 04-08-2005, 08:10 AM

After completely removing the bleed valves and with the brake lines off, I still couldnt get the pads to go in... I ordered my rebuild kits. Hopefully I dont find any other problems. Thanks for the help :-)

buster73 · buster73's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by luvndasun
... I ordered my rebuild kits. Hopefully I dont find any other problems. Thanks for the help :-)

When you rebuild your calipers, check this forum for advice on how to minimize the gap between the brake pads and the rotors when reinstalling the calipers. You can avoid frustrating hours of unsuccessful bleeding by doing it right the first time.