Hi Guys, I'm going to replace the front brake pads and have been scouring our favorite site here to get the whole procedure in my mind before starting. I find most posts are about the rears. Actually, I didn't find any about the fronts. So I'm hoping you can help me out. 1. Do the calipers need to be disassembled to r & r the pads? 2. In the attached pic from omgjon's invaluable restoration thread, can I just extract the 2 rods to remove the front brake pads? 3. What tools and sizes will I need for this job? Thank you all very much for your help, Manny Image Unavailable, Please Login
Manny - changing the front brake pads is like falling out of bed ..... easy to do. Lift the front end, remove the wheels. (Loosen wheel lugs before lifting off ground). Spray the clip retaining rods with a bit of WD40 on both ends. Don't worry about overspray. Nothing will be harmed. Using a suitable drift, old small Phillips screw driver, or heavy tooth pick, drive the pins out. They will only go one way. They are secured by a simple compression ring on the end. This all will be self evident once the first is removed. The pad retaining clip will come out once one of the pins is removed. Take both pins out (on each side) and clean and/or lubricate for reinsertion. Remove the pads by pulling them out. Take air, rag, brake clean, etc., to clean things up. Use the proper tool, or a large curved pry-like screw driver, or a large flat head screw driver, with a piece of metal (like a square cut from a soda/beer can and folded over), or a rag to protect the rotor on one side and the brake piston on the other, and gently apply pressure to push the pistons back into their bore. This will provide ample room to insert the new, thicker pads. Keep an eye on your brake fluid reservoir to avoid spillage as you return the pistons to their bores. The volume of fluid will increase in the reservoir. Do one side at a time so that you have a reference. Watch one, do one, teach one...just like neurosurgery. Jim S.
Jim, Sounds like a dumb question but should I have the cap off the fluid reservoir when pushing the piston back into it's bore? And maybe some drop cloths under the reservoir to catch any possible spillage? Thanks again, Manny
Not at all a silly question, in fact, it is most appropriate. Yes, absolutely, this is exactly what I do when retracting the brake pistons. Good thinking. Sorry I neglected to mention it. Jim
I believe you are technically supposed to use new pins each time so the compression collars will be fresh. This is not really necessary, but you might want to not lubricate the pins too much for fear they will come out while driving You should also use a turkey baster or whatever to take some fluid out of the reservoir if it is nearing overflowing, as having it pour out would be bad news.
No, no, I'm afraid it's not at all like neurosurgery. You can't live without your front brakes; I know plenty of people who seem to function well with no brain, just check Politics&Religion!
Very good....LOL.... PantDino - yes, I guess the service manual might suggest new pins, but I have never done this, and have never experienced a pin coming loose. The collars always seem to retain their spring action. Lubricating just makes it easier for the next time. When I have rebuilt calipers on the bench and used old pins (bead blasted and lubricated), they always seem to slide in snug. But I do not doubt the accuracy and appropriateness of your comment. Jim S.