Brake Pad replacement help

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Jun 26, 2002 | 03:55 PM

RLaFarge

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From: Madison al

St. Jude Contributor

Brake Pad replacement help

I am TRYING to replace the read brake pads on my 79 L82. But when I depress the pistons in the calipers they pop right back out and I cannot slide the new pads in. What am I doing wrong.
I have tried it with the master cylinder cover on and off. I have even tried compressing them the cracking the bleeder. No luck, they both move back out.
Can someone tell me if I am doing something wrong of if there is a problem with the caliper?

Thanks
Robby LaFarge
877-838-4242

Jun 26, 2002 | 04:01 PM

Melting Slicks

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From: TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS

St. Jude Contributor

Re: Brake Pad replacement help (RLaFarge)

Nope, that's how they're designed. A bit of a PITA. You can buy special clips from the corvette vendors to keep the pistons back while you put the pads in, but I've always just put the pads in the caliper, both of them in the center on the pin, then I use spring clamps to hold the pads against the sides of the caliper, compressing the pistons with the pads. You have to put the clamps on the top edges of the pads and on the "ear" that the pin goes through on the caliper. Then you just wiggle the caliper with the pads in it onto the rotor. Once they're on far enough to keep the pistons compressed, take of the clamps and slide it the rest of the way on.

JB

[Modified by JB, 2:05 PM 6/26/2002]

Jun 26, 2002 | 04:04 PM

EarnIt

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From: Glen Aubrey NY

Re: Brake Pad replacement help (RLaFarge)

You have to hold the pistons in while inserting the pads. You can buy clips made for this or do what I did and make your own. They are a squared off U shape that slide over the top of your caliper and hold the pistons in. Good Luck.

Jun 26, 2002 | 04:04 PM

kgraumann

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From: Nowhere

Re: Brake Pad replacement help (JB)

I used the long slinder plastic Zip ties to hold mine in place. Then cut the Zip Tie when I had the caliper in place. It is a bubba way of doing it, but it worked.

Jun 26, 2002 | 05:46 PM

RLaFarge

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From: Madison al

St. Jude Contributor

Re: Brake Pad replacement help (kgraumann)

score one for the bubba method.. it worked!! The pads are on and the vette is back on the road. This time without squealing brakes..
Thank you all so much for you help!

Jun 26, 2002 | 06:10 PM

Melting Slicks

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From: TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS

St. Jude Contributor

Re: Brake Pad replacement help (RLaFarge)

Which Bubba method worked for you?

JB

Jun 26, 2002 | 06:48 PM

Larry B.

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From: Orlando Floriduh

Re: Brake Pad replacement help (RLaFarge)

There is a special clip type tool made for corvette brakes. Cheap and it really works. Five minutes per wheel with this tool. Eckler's or other places sell 'em.

Jun 26, 2002 | 09:37 PM

73ragtop

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From: Denton Texas

Re: Brake Pad replacement help (RLaFarge)

Quote:

But when I depress the pistons in the calipers they pop right back out and I cannot slide the new pads in. What am I doing wrong.

All the methods quoted will work; a free way that works really well is to take a 15/16 inch socket (which is about the same thickness as the rotor) and place it between the pads. As you place the caliper back on the rotor, slide the socket out. Easy as pie.

Eddie