Replacing front brake pads

[Jonathan]

Quick question: when replacing the front brake pads, is there anything you have to do in terms of opening or releasing tension in some way on the caliper itself? Or can you basically just take the cotter pins out of the rods, slide the two rods out, and then slide the pads out (and then the new ones right back in)? I was just putting on my anti-rattle clips I got with the hardware kit and pad set and thought I might just go ahead and put it all in (pads, new hardware, anti-rattle clips). Is there any special tricks to replacing pads? Does anything need to be greased while in there? I don't believe I understand where the shims go at the moment or what tells you how many you need either. Thanks!!

[Bitsyncmaster]

They do come right out like you said. But if your new pads are thicker than the old ones (most likely) you will need to push the pistons in to get the calipers to slid back on. All you need to do is open the bleeder nut, than press the pistons back in all the way. Make sure the seals look good after you have the pistons pressed in. I use a large C clamp to press in the pistons.

[DMCMW Dave]

The shims have small arrows punched in to them, the shims should be installed so that the arrows go in the direction of tire rotation.

Clean the caliper channels of rust, and apply a slight film of grease on the edges of the pad steel.

You may need to press the pistons back slightly to get the pads out. If the pistons don't go back easily, or you see uneven pad wear (some much thicker than others) you may have some sticky pistons.

[Delorean Industries]

I have seen a number of owners pull the caliper, clean the pistons and reuse the seals. Not recommended but apparently it happens a lot. Best thing to do is a complete dis assembly and rebuild. If you are having sticking problems now and it is not the bad to caliper surface it is only going to get worse.

[David T]

I do not like using any grease on disc brakes. It gets so hot the grease can "creep" and get where you don't want it. You have to make sure the pads slip in freely. You should not have to force or hammer them in. If they are tight you must clean up the surfaces they touch so they can slide in. To remove the old pads most techs use a screwdriver to force the pistons in a little. Since the old pads are worn you must force the pistons all the way back so you have room to install the new pads. Most techs will use a "C" clamp or some other kind of tool to do one pad at a time. If you remove BOTH pads in the same caliper and try pushing one piston you may wind up moving the other one out. As Dave S mentioned, if you see one pad is thin and the other hardly worn you can figure a piston is stuck and you should rebuild the caliper. The Delorean does not use "Floating" calipers as most modern cars do. They have a piston on each side and the caliper cannot move. Floating calipers typically have only 1 piston and function more like a "C" clamp. The caliper moves as the pads wear. Keeps the wear more even. I dislike touching the bleeder screws to move the pistons back. You could get air into the system and then you have to bleed the system. If you see the dust boots have any rips or tears or you see brake fluid you have to rebuild the calipers. I like to scuff up the rotors when I replace pads. Use a drill with a 3" round pad of 80# and make a circular, random pattern on both sides. Removes the glaze and helps the new pads "bed in" quickly. While you are doing this you should also grease the front end and inspect the suspension. Brake fluid should be flushed every other year, clutch fluid too.
David Teitelbaum

[DMCMW Dave]

I do not like using any grease on disc brakes. It gets so hot the grease can "creep" and get where you don't want it.

Don't use so much.

Just a thin film of Sil-Glyde.

[rothsean]

Where do you buy the new pads and clips?

[Mark D]

Your favorite DMC vendor should be able to sell you brake pads with new pins and anti squeal shims.

I like to support DMCMW since (as you can see in this thread) you've got Dave that is on the board on a routine basis offering help and support to people in the community.