Brake job - no shims

[TX4Running]

Yesterday, I replaced the rotors and pads. I did the 231 mm TBU years ago. I used a screwdriver to compress the calipers as much as I could with bleeder open. After replacing rotor and caliper, I could not get the pads in with shim kits installed. It was hard enough to get the pads in without shim kits. I now have brakes installed with no shim kits.

Is there an easy way to get the calipers to compress a bit more to add shim kits? With new rotors and pads, I don't want to use the screwdriver again.

 

[_Ace_]

I use an old pad against the pistons and compress them (with the master cylinder cap off & some fluid removed) with a large C clamp.

Position the C clamp between the two pistons on the pad and slowly compress. The pistons should go into the caliper evenly and as they compress fluid will return to the master cylinder reservoir.

As you compress remove old fluid with a syringe.

 

[3bears]

I use an old pad against the pistons and compress them (with the master cylinder cap off & some fluid removed) with a large C clamp.

Position the C clamp between the two pistons on the pad and slowly compress. The pistons should go into the caliper evenly and as they compress fluid will return to the master cylinder reservoir.

As you compress remove old fluid with a syringe.

yep...thats how I do it too

 

[TX4Running]

I assume you are doing this with the caliper removed? I should be able to pull the new pads out, pull the caliper off, and use the old pads to compress, correct?
The videos I watched show the compression via screwdriver (unconcerned with damage to rotor as they are being replaced) with the calipers still installed. I thought I compressed them as far as they would go. Then, out of frustration, I managed to squeeze the pads in without the shims. Thanks.

 

[_Ace_]

Yes, calipers removed.

Never tried it with them installed.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Another C-clamper here. Hopefully you are using a caliper-hanging hook of some kind, too.

 

[TX4Running]

Thanks all. I went back and redid them. Used C-clamp with caliper removed. Used zip ties to hold up with brake line still attached. Still a very tight squeeze with new pads and rotors, but success.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Thanks all. I went back and redid them. Used C-clamp with caliper removed. Used zip ties to hold up with brake line still attached. Still a very tight squeeze with new pads and rotors, but success.

Were you able to get the anti-squeal shims to fit?

 

[TX4Running]

Were you able to get the anti-squeal shims to fit?

Yes, shims on. It was very tight, but was able to get them on and have driven with no issues.