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As a Corvette newbie, do you have any tips on fitting rear brake pads?. I have never come across callipers that have springs behind the pistons and I’m finding difficult to slide the pads in and trying to push the pistons back far enough without damaging the seals. I have never known brake pads to be so difficult to fit..it usually pretty basic.
Some of the vendors sell thin C-shaped clips that will hold back the pistons on both sides while you slide the whole thing over the rotor.
Then the clips pull right out.
You could probably rig something up on your own if you don't have the time to order them or don't feel like spending the money.
I'm sure some of the whiz-kids on this board can offer some home-made remedies.
I didn't have the forethought to order one of those clips so when the time came I found a wooden block the same thickness as the rotor, a little thicker actually, cut it down so it would slide through the top of the caliper opening
Stick it in between the pads and when installing the caliper it gets pushed out the top
I've used it (well a pair) numerous times since then and it work, I should order one of those clips someday but...
M
I have just used this same stick of wood for years. It's 1 3/8ths by 3/4" and I beveled off one edge. Insert it sideways then turn it on the curved bevel while helping the pads with your fingers. It's a 10 second job. Then place the caliper on the rotor and turn the stick back out on the bevel and you're done. It's also free.
Last edited by CanadaGrant; Apr 16, 2020 at 03:51 PM.
I have a drywall mud putty knife. It's width is just a tad narrower than the opening of the caliper. I put it in. Pull the pistons back. Slid in the pad and slide knife out. Change pads without removing the calipers.
I have a drywall mud putty knife. It's width is just a tad narrower than the opening of the caliper. I put it in. Pull the pistons back. Slid in the pad and slide knife out. Change pads without removing the calipers.
I have just used this same stick of wood for years. It's 1 3/8ths by 3/4" and I beveled off one edge. Insert it sideways then turn it on the curved bevel while helping the pads with your fingers. It's a 10 second job. Then place the caliper on the rotor and turn the stick back out on the bevel and you're done. It's also free.
This is sorta what I did, only I just used a small piece of two x four that fit between the pads, then as you drop the calipers onto the rotor, the piece of wood is pushed up and out. Bingo!
I have a drywall mud putty knife. It's width is just a tad narrower than the opening of the caliper. I put it in. Pull the pistons back. Slid in the pad and slide knife out. Change pads without removing the calipers.
Terrific post guys but in my case I used both of the metal pad clips and a piece of wood but no what I did the system always had to be bled because after the pads were in the pedal always went to the floor and that for me did not make it that easy of a job..One tidbit that was mentioned is to crack one of the bleed screws til the pads are in place but neglected to say which one???
Maybe someone can clue in this senior citizen what he/I did wrong!!!!
javajolt78
I would say crack both open a "smidge" and with a clear hose attached.
One should also remember to close the bleeder screw BEFORE you release the pressure on the new pads, (from either a wooden stick or steel clamp).
Otherwise you have introduced air.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Apr 17, 2020 at 09:08 AM.
This is sorta what I did, only I just used a small piece of two x four that fit between the pads, then as you drop the calipers onto the rotor, the piece of wood is pushed up and out. Bingo!
Thanks again... This method worked perfectly for me.
, bevels, pffft for the rich guys)
Tips for fitting brake pads?
