Brake Pad Fitting

[auxtian]

Just wondering how loose or tight the brake pads should be in the caliper.Mine are pretty tight (new ones) Should you be able to easily slide them by hand.
Just that since putting them in only seems to be hitting the outside edges of the disc (about an inch)

[strom]

OK, hold the hammer...

1st... have u installed em properly?
Push the brake caliper piston back with a tire iron and an old pad in there, so u dont damage the piston.
When its all the way back, install new ones, reinstall the caliper, squeeze the brake a few times and give it a careful test.
Generally you shouldnt be able to move anything there by hand, unless you tried quite hard.

LP

[auxtian]

Brake Pads

Thanks, everything seems OK but I need to know if the pads with the calipers out slide into place easily and should the pads be tight in the slide or free to move.
Stops OK but the wear looks wrong and I noticed that I had to push the pads into the sliders with a bit of force (note not the piston) just the pads into their slots

Thanks

[Ken Talbot]

The pads should slide easily on the chromed guides that clip onto the caliper holder. I have had to use a small flat file on the slots on each end of some pads to open them up to get enough clearance. A little dab of silicone disc brake lubricant will also help them slide. If the pads are too tight, they will hang up and not release properly, or they could bind. Don't be afraid of a bit of filing, just don't try to carve off too much too quickly.

[auxtian]

PADS

Thanks Ken,
I never remembered them being that tight so sat in my shed last night and did as you suggested, just did not have the grease will try to get some today.
Chris

[strom]

There are some metal holders there... quite thin metal. Should click into place if properly cleaned and stuff...

LP

[auxtian]

Pads

Ta guys, Think I have it licked

Chris

[mitch]

Licked!!!!!

eeeeeewwwwwww why did you lick them?

[uk1.1s]

tigh pads - how uncomfortable

Chris,

If it's any further help - although you've probably sorted it by now, I often find the same problem.

My work around for years is based on the fact that most available pads are just that little bit too wide and fit really tight up to those chrome guides that Ken mentioned. I "adjust" the width a bit with a file (filing away slightly at the edges of the back plate of the pads (not the friction material). It only needs a bit of cleaning up - nothing much..... too much tolerance in the construction process I reckon.

Cleaning the pads up lots - especially those chrome guides is a great idea. Careful with grease tho' - anything more than a smear has a habit of working it's way onto the discs