when replacing brake pads..????
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,831
Likes: 1
From: Bartlesville ok
when replacing brake pads..????
When replacing the brake pads should the caliper "slide" on the frame alittle? With the caliper mounted back on the wheel I can take the caliper and move toward/away a very small amount.. is this normal? The frame stays in place but the caliper slides just a very small amount... thanks in advance! Tonya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,673
Likes: 9
From: Upstate New York
The caliper slides on pins - there is a piston on one side, and as the pad on that side is pushed against the rotor it pulls the other pad over to the rotor. So, if that's what you are seeing, yes, that's normal.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,831
Likes: 1
From: Bartlesville ok
the caliper moves just a slight amount on the frame toward/away from me.. I think once I put the wheel back on & do the other side it will be ok.. I messed up 
when the calipers was off the car i pushed the brake pedal 
when I started the car to turn the wheel.. So, before I could put back together I had to compress the pistons.. I think that is where the "play" is coming from.. I will find out when I get the other side done... 
& start the car to check it.. I am thinking/hoping that once the pistons reset then it will all be ok.. hoping...........
when the calipers was off the car i pushed the brake pedal when I started the car to turn the wheel.. So, before I could put back together I had to compress the pistons.. I think that is where the "play" is coming from.. I will find out when I get the other side done... & start the car to check it.. I am thinking/hoping that once the pistons reset then it will all be ok.. hoping...........
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 5
From: Bothell WA
This is perfectly normal. As others have said, the calipers are meant to slide on lubricated pins. This is necessary because there are pistons on only 1 side of the caliper. As the brake pads wear, the calipers need to slide a bit to compensate. When you finish the brake job, just pump the brake pedal a couple times before you move the car. This will take up the play and everything will be fine. Not to worry.
- Mark
- Mark
