Tight brake pads
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New User
Joined: Jun 2017
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Tight brake pads
Just replaced pads, rotors and calipers on my 77 f150 and they are too tight - can't turn the wheel by hand and they were very tight getting them on. Thinking pad tolerances are not very precise. Anyone else have this problem or have solutions? Maybe try a different pad manufacturer?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,626
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From: NE Texas
Did you clamp the pistons all the way back first? Did you clean the remaining old parts thoroughly to avoid any build-up? Maybe do a quick reverse search on-line of the part numbers you bought to make sure they all cross to a '77? Worst case, you could carefully grind the pad surfaces down a little but honestly, the right parts usually fit right. This sounds like either an installation or a wrong-parts issue to me. YMMV.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 31
From: Nevada
Deep breath
Take a deep breath, unless you pushed back the pistons completely they will be tight, I would leave them be, put your wheels back on and roll out on a test drive, they will back off naturally, then you will need to pump the pistons back in place with your brake pedal and feel for even application....... I bet your ok...
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I did compress the pistons and cleaned everything but they were actually already almost completely back. I'll double check the part number. The pads line up with the ones that came off but maybe the thickness is just too much.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,597
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From: San Jose, CA
Common issue now that all of our stuff from the auto parts stores is crap.
Ok, now that's off my chest, they're not really all bad. Just a LOT of them.
The first best thing to do is try another set. Even from the same manufacturer is could be different, but best to try a different brand like you were saying.
In a pinch you can shave the existing pads down a few thousandths to get the needed clearance. I use 150 grit(?) sandpaper (or whatever a nice coarse grade would be) on a flat surface. Lay the paper down face up, and move the pad around on it by hand.
I've run into this problem with brake shoes as well. Where they just would not fit into the drum. Same for the F150/Bronco caliper pads once, where they were so thick that they physically would not fit no matter what I did.
At least you got yours installed!
Good luck.
Even though you can run them, I would think it's not good to run them hot when they're brand new anyway. And they're going to get hot until they can wear down enough to clear. Not really a good scenario to my mind, so I would either replace or shave them down.
Paul
Ok, now that's off my chest, they're not really all bad. Just a LOT of them.
The first best thing to do is try another set. Even from the same manufacturer is could be different, but best to try a different brand like you were saying.
In a pinch you can shave the existing pads down a few thousandths to get the needed clearance. I use 150 grit(?) sandpaper (or whatever a nice coarse grade would be) on a flat surface. Lay the paper down face up, and move the pad around on it by hand.
I've run into this problem with brake shoes as well. Where they just would not fit into the drum. Same for the F150/Bronco caliper pads once, where they were so thick that they physically would not fit no matter what I did.
At least you got yours installed!
Good luck.
Even though you can run them, I would think it's not good to run them hot when they're brand new anyway. And they're going to get hot until they can wear down enough to clear. Not really a good scenario to my mind, so I would either replace or shave them down.
Paul
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,698
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From: Taxachusetts
I had a problem with pads at the shop a while back.....to cut to the quick here, the pads were of different thickness(es). Mic'd 'em out....that was the cause of severe overheating and trouble with installation.
I check every set of pads I/we replace now.
Mebbe not your particular problem, but just something to consider.
I check every set of pads I/we replace now.
Mebbe not your particular problem, but just something to consider.
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