Brake Job - Anything to watch out for?

[gjd]

I was able to do the job this weekend and all is well now. The thinnest of the old pads was around 3/32, so it was definitely time to do them.

It was relatively straightforward, but I was not able to get the C-Clamp on the pistons without unbolting the caliper to clear the rotor. I did that on the first side; for the second side I realized that the pistons are loose enough that they can be compressed with your fingers - no clamp needed!

Do you usually replace the pins that go through the calipers/pads? A couple of mine were a little difficult to drive out. I put a little hi-temp grease on them when I reinstalled them, but might be easier to just replace them.

 

[Jacaranda]

Pad Life and sticking caliper pins

I just changed my front pads today after 40,000 miles and after four years therefore operation. They were 60% worn. I guess they could have gone 60,000 miles if you are prepared to run the pads down to the last 10%. Pads are cheap and I don't like to run the calipers with the Pistons at their limit out of the calipers. The most difficult part was removal of two of the caliper pins which were badly rusted into the calipers. I had to work hard to remove the pins by lubricating them and then tapping them from either end until they were relatively free. I reused the pins after removing rust and sanding with 600 grit paper. I reinstalled the pins using some Mercedes brake grease that contains molybdenum, similar to the 'Neverseize' product. This grease and the molybdenum have a strong bond with metal and I am hoping that these pins will not rust in place and will be relatively easy to remove. Normally I would have replaced these pins but in Canada they are a special order and not kept in stock!!!!! They also cost $12 each!!!! I will order a new pins and springs from NAPA or Camelback Toyota in the US for the next change when I will replace both pads and rotors. Rusting of these caliper pins is very common especially if they are left in place for several years without attention. There was a reply on the forum that suggested pulling the pins and re-greasing them when you change from summer to winter tyres, at least once a year. In my opinion this is a good suggestion.