Floating caliper blues

[tdskip]

OK - I give. How do you properly force the floating rear brake caliper out so you can install new brake pads?

[tdskip]

Sorry - should have included that the outer brake pad was much more worn than the inner.

[drew1]

C clamp

[flash968]

crack the bleed screws and push the pads in toward the pistons with a pry bar

[tdskip]

This is for a 924S, so I believe I have a single piston. I was able to remove and fit the inner pad without a problem but I guess I'm not being forceful enough on sliding the caliper so I can remove the old pad (nearly worn out) and have enough space for the new one.

Where is it OK to leverage to move the caliper?

How far in does the piston need to be depressed to all the caliper to move?

Thanks guys!

[flash968]

what exactly is hanging up? are the rotors so worn that the pad is "buried"? if so, you will need to crack the bleed screw and then push the piston into the caliper to the point where you can free the pad - use a pry tool between the pad and the rotor (two is better) - take care not to scratch the rotor - push evenly and firmly - do not jerk - fluid will squirt out - that's okay, since you will need to bleed the brakes anyway, and should flush the system if you haven't done it on the last 2 years

note - pad slaps are never a good idea, and if the rotors are worn, they at least need to be surfaced - failure to do that frequently results in uneven braking - pads and rotors bed in together, and form a chemical bond - a pad slap will upset that, especially if you are changing the compound in the pad

definitely measure the rotors and see if they need to be replaced - a thin rotor will heat up quickly, and produce fade

hope that helps

[tdskip]

Thanks Flash - all of this helps.

The pads are well worn, but material is left on them. Only the outer pad is not easily removed, inner (closest to the piston), came out just fine.

It looks like I need to force the caliper outward so the pad will come out and there will be enough room for the thicker/unused replacement pad.

Can you confirm that the whole caliper slides to the left/outer of the car?

Thanks!

[flash968]

sorry - i can't remember on a 924 - it's been about 20 years since i played with one

have you tried unbolting the caliper to free things up?

[rsrmike]

I think it helps to leave the inner pad out, then slide the caliper bracket outwards as there should be groove on the pad where a small lip on the caliper fits into.

I remember some profanity the first time I changed pads on one...

they rarlely wear evenly FWIW, even w/ new calipers. I seem to recall some C-shaped teflon guides for the slider?? It's been years but I could swear I bought some thin sheet teflon from local plastic supplier and made my own replacements.

Good luck!

[jcommin]

Flash and others are correct. I'm presuming you took off the spring clip. Crack the bleed screw. You should be able to push the piston back into the caliper housing. If you look at your new pads, the piston should go back to clear the new pad thickness as the pads can be dropped in without removing the rotor. But as Flash has indicated, I would look at the rotor. At a minimum it needs to be resurfaced or even replaced. The replacement is especially true if you don't know when the last brake job occurred or if the rotors have been previously resurfaced. I'm not trying to add to your work or cost but you will be taking this apart again to cut or replace rotors because or pulsing or other brake problems.

The inner pad is on the cylinder side. The outer pad housing should slide on the cylinder / caliper. Might want to use brake cleaner to remove the brake dust. When you finally get the pads out, use gold anti seize (higher heat resistance) on the housing guides. It will prevent it sticking.

In that case, get yourself an 18 inch breaker bar and remove the caliper.

[tdskip]

Thanks guys.

I got the piston in far enough to easily fit the replacement inner pad - no problem. The outer pad is the issue. It appears that the caliper housing should slide over towards the curb/outside so enough space is created for the replacement pad to fit.

As of right now the caliper isn't moving at all and I can't pull the old outer pad out or fit a new thicker one.

Do I need to be more forceful on trying to pry the caliper over towards the curb/outside? I haven't tried to really force it yet for fear over trashing the caliper.

Thanks - I really appreciate the help guys!


(FYI - this is the 924S that slept for 15 years that I rescued)

[my1st911]

You need to take it apart and lubricate the slides. They are rusted solid, and not allowin your calipers to "float". Hense the reason only outter pad is worn. I have a 944 and 911, so not sure what your rear brakes look like, but they must unbolt, and you may need to use persuation, and maybe even a little heat

[Lapponia]

+++1 my1st911. A car sleeping for 15 years definately need refurbishing of all calipers, piston, cylinders and seals. Doing the brake master cylinder, clutch master and slave cylinder as well as the hose between them is COMPULSORY because you now have a project car. Not too expensive thogh. Good luck.
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Lapponia 1984 944 na