My rear axle is an 83' Trans Am with factory posi/disc brakes. I am wondering how these brake are put together. I have read many articles on the forum about how these brakes were horrible on adjustment and always seemed to mal-function. I would like to know the complete servicing step-by-step instructions on how to replace pads and properly adjust them. Here are a few questions..........

-What are the snap-ring style springs for exactly on the caliper piston & how do they attach to the pad backing plate?

- How does the "ratcheting" mechanism work on the caliper for brake adjustment?

-How do you properly retract the caliper piston to slip the caliper over the rotor when new pads are installed?

-How come my calipers are not equipped with "counter weights" on the caliper brake lever?

-What specific tools do I need in order to work on these calipers?

Thanks in advice! Any help/pics/tips is very helpful in my quest for getting my rear brakes back on and working.

 

*Bump* Still looking for answers on my questions. I see many people on the board are running aftermarket rear axles and brake systems. Looking for OEM stuff.

 

Still hoping for an answer.............

 

PM me. I have an '83 shop manual.

 

The "anti-rattle" springs don't attach, they just apply pressure to the back of the pad.

Applying the parking brake lever turns the actuator inside the piston to push the piston out against the pad, but the amount of its return travel is limited... as long as everything is working problerly, which it never is on the original calipers. Search for "parking brake recall" or something similar for details.

Screw the piston in clockwise.

Not sure. The counterweight doesn't seem to be especially important.

Nothing unusual.