I got new brake pads for my car, and changed them, but the little spacer for where the caliper screws into the mount doesnt fit after the change. i put the old pads back on, and the spacer went in, but it was a tight fit. i dont understand whats wrong.

 

the small round 'spacers' that the caliper attachment bolts go through will slide on a rubber bushing within the caliper where they mount. just use some effort to slide in or out to where the caliper will fit back on the spindle.

 

mount the caliper without any pads in it and slide the caliper over on the pins... it should slide back and forth easily. if not, spray some liquid wrench or similar on it and keep moving it back and forth until it moves easily without any binding. then when you put the new pads in, put a little high temp grease on those bushings to keep them free..