Well, since nobody is replying to the other thread...

I am in the process of trying to do a front brake job on the firebird.

I have the left wheel, and caliper off. I got the old pads out of the caliper. I compressed the piston as far as it will go.

Now, the new pads is the problem. I wanted to make sure I would be able to get the new pads over the rotor, and I should be able too. With the new pads in the caliper, it slides halfway on! Not all the way. It gets hung up where the caliper bolts line up.

Now, I dont understand why this happens. I clearly have about 1/16 of extra space, so that the pads dont even hang up on the rotor at all.

Also, these duralast pads seem like CRAP. They are alot different than the OEM ones, and I cant seem to get them to stay in the caliper. The stock ones fit perfect - the outside just presses on and doesent move, while the inside has a clip that keeps it inside the piston.

I cant get the new spring-clip thing to stay on the new pads for the life of me. Whenever I get the caliper 1/2 over the rotor, that little spring clip pops off the pad, and falls in the middle of the piston. Then, the pad falls out of the caliper! That would be dangerous - having a pad fall out of the caliper while driving!

The outside pad is shitty too, it doesent stay snug on the caliper like it shoud. I cant figure this out!!!

Any insight appreciated. Thanks.

 

Sounds like you might have the wrong clips. Will the old ones work? Do you have them on the right way?

The pads can't possibly fall out of the caliper while driving though, clip or no. They're completely enclosed. All the clip does, is keep them from squeeeking.

They never do. Why, I don't know. But they always make them to fit loose. Easy to fix though: set it up on edge, and use your BFH to whap those little tabs or claws or whatever you would call them, and bend them in enough to firmly grab on to the caliper. That also prevents squeeeks and noises MUCH better than the spooge they give you to put on them.

 

IIRC, the OEM pads don't have a removeable clip, but the autozone/kragen ones do. If you can't afford the $70-$80 FOR THE DELCO ONES, pROSTOP PADS FROM pEPBOYS ARE A PRETTY GOOD REPLACEMENT AND THEY DON'T HAVE THAT REMOVEABLE CLIP.
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Sorry bout that, I hit the capslock

 

is this your first time doing these perticular front brakes? after cleaning up all the dust, just do as you are but, slow down, take your time. the caliper and pads tend to shift while putting them on. make sure as you slide them on that they line up as should and evenly. rubber malet might help, i used pry bar, cause they shifted. also you didn't say but have you replaced the rotor?

 

No, same rotor. Im gonna hit it with the cookie, after I do the wheel bearings.

I am just trying to get the caliper on, to make sure I can. I can get it perfectly back in position with the old pads on. The new pads, well they wont stay in position long enough. Here are some pictures:

Old Pad


New pad


This is where the caliper wont go on...


This is the pad falling out of the caliper, as the little spring randomly lets go!

 

Nothing you are experiencing is abnormal. The pads will fit fine. You may be able to bend the little clip a little to get it to hold better. It always takes a little finagling to get them in, although it does get easier once you've done a few.

Once the caliper bolts are in they'll hold the pad in place.

 

Wait, so is the fit with new pads supposed to be just that tight, that it wont slide together? Maybe I will just leave those little clips out or something.

 

Well, I got the caliper to slide on with the new pads. I had to transfer the clip from the old pad, to the new ones.

Now I have a question in the wheel bearing thread LOL.

 

 

Got the car driving again! See my wheel bearing thread below for details.

Thanks guys.