Reinstalling rear calipers

[mowpow]

What is the recommended way to reinstall the rear calipers in terms of the pads? Should the pads be in the caliper when you reinstall it on the rotor or should the pads be installed after the caliper is bolted in?

Thanks,
Jake

[deloumis]

What is the recommended way to reinstall the rear calipers in terms of the pads? Should the pads be in the caliper when you reinstall it on the rotor or should the pads be installed after the caliper is bolted in?

Thanks,
Jake

Push the pistons in with a c clamp, install pads then install calipers. That's the way I do it, no problem.

[AirmanPika]

I just did this a few days ago. I personally assembled everything including the brake pads and then installed the calipers. Frankly I think it was easier to install the pads with the calipers off the car but it prolly makes little difference otherwise. Just make sure to compress the pistons back in if they aren't already. I had rebuilt mine so my pistons were already fully depressed.

[David T]

It makes no difference but I prefer to stick the pads in after I have attached the calipers. Makes it easier to install the calipers and not damage the pads.
David Teitelbaum

[deloumis]

It makes no difference but I prefer to stick the pads in after I have attached the calipers. Makes it easier to install the calipers and not damage the pads.
David Teitelbaum

How would you damage the pads? In some vehicles it isn't possible to add the pads after and never had a problem.

[David T]

If you have to force the calipers on you can knock off the friction materiel from the e-brake pads on the rear calipers. I just reglue it back on with some Gorilla Glue. To install the calipers "loaded" you must get it angled just right. I find it just as easy to do after installing the calipers.
David Teitelbaum