Q About Changing Brake Pads On Corolla

[robe]

This i've done

taken wheel off

taken calipers off

tied up calipers

removed brake pad

put piston in

put new pads in and clips

 

but i can't fit the calipers back on, it's like the pads are to thick.

(they're what, 1.5 cm. ca?)

 

what should i do?

 

thank you.

[Super Jamie]

did you use the same pads as before? sometimes you have to force them over the lip that wears and rusts into the disc, or press the piston slightly back into the caliper

 

i also often get a screwdriver or rough sandpaper and try to machine the lip down myself, so the pads are easier to slip over

[kangaroosa]

Firstly what model Corolla is it?

 

If its an earlier Corolla, you don't need to remove the whole caliper.

Simply remove the cover plate on the caliper.

Remove the bent/shaped wire that holds the locating pins in place.

Remove the Pins/Rods.

The Pads should now simply slide out.

Now the pistons need to be forced back into the caliper, to allow for the extra width of new pads. (there is a tool that you can purchase to do this) OR like most people, just use a clamp to push the pistons back into the caliper. Alternatively you could use a screwdriver or bar and lever the piston back in.

Then slide the new Pads back in.

Push the Rods back into place.

Secure them with the bent wire.

Clip on the cover plate and you should be done.

 

*EDIT*

What he said too^^^^

Edited September 17, 2005 by kangaroosa

[robe]

It's a Corolla 1.6 dx -86

 

the pads are toyota original.

 

there are two bolts securing the part of the caliper that must be removed, it is where those should be the thing gets stuck.

 

sorry about my poor english.

[Raven]

definately gotta wind that piston back in or it wont fit.

[robe]

I've pressed the piston back in.

It's where the 2 bolts should be thats the problem, it seems to be to tight.

[Raven]

If all else fails, use an american screwdriver a.k.a. a hammer :)

[demuire]

Those calipers are sliding calipers if I'm not mistaken. The 2 pieces should be able to slide in and out fairly freely. If not, something is stuck and you need to have a look at it. For fresh pads etc if I recall correctly it should be pressed all the way in, and the piston should also be all the way in. Are you sure you've pushed the piston as far as it should go? Use a clamp if you're not sure. Sometimes corrosion on the piston can make it a bit hard to move. Or, if your piston is a screw in type then make sure you screw it in all the way.

 

If all else fails, shave the pads slightly.

[Jason]

If all else fails, use an american screwdriver a.k.a. a hammer

 

i like to call it a Persuasion bar

 

:)

Edited September 19, 2005 by Jason

[Medicine_Man]

I had a similar problem when I put my new disc rotors and new brake pads on, because everything was new there was bugger all gap to get it back over the discs. had to use 2 screwdrivers and pry the piston back into the caliper and give it some persuasion with a hammer to get over the rotors...

[demuire]

had to use 2 screwdrivers and pry the piston back into the caliper

 

Next time try a G-clamp, they work quite well.

[Medicine_Man]

yeah, that could be a handy tool to have..

[belly_up]

be aware also that if your fluid level was topped up before the pad change, and the old pads were worn a fair way down, then pushing the pistons back in can cause the fluid reservoir to overflow. Good idea to put some precautionary rags around the fluid reservoir before starting.

[demuire]

Good point, bellyup :)

[Felix]

at least make sure you hose it off. water deactivates it. stops the brake fluid eating your paint, and causing rust.