I need Help!!! '97 Expedition Brakes

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Aug 10, 2004 | 11:56 AM

spycam

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I need Help!!! '97 Expedition Brakes

I am replacing the front brake pads on a '97 Expedition. I tried lifting the caliper out of the bracket after removing the retaining pins. The top part of the caliper is responding, but the bottom part of the caliper acts as if it is locked into the bracket! Am I missing something here??? Every brake job I've done on other vehicles the caliper just lifted out easily. Thanks for you help!

Aug 10, 2004 | 01:33 PM

MOOK929RR

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I had the same exact prob...This is what got mine off. The BFH! just kidding... First use a c-clamp or whatever works best for you to make sure the pistons are pushed in and not still squeezing the rotor at all, this will give ya some wiggle room. You'll notice the bottom part of the old brake pads are sitting inside a deep groove inside the bottom metal clip. this is what was holding me back...as soon as i pushed the pistons in, and lifted the camiper UP and out, instead of just pulling out, the old pads popped out of that groove and the caliper came free. It might not be the same prob for you, but it sounds similar, and this had me stuck for about 20 mins...
Good luck.

Aug 10, 2004 | 01:57 PM

spycam

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I tried the BFH!!! LOL!!!...Thanks for the suggestion I think this is exactly what the problem is because I cant see anything else causing the hangup. As soon as I get home will do just what you suggest....thanks a million.

Aug 10, 2004 | 04:42 PM

radtec

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From: Eureka Mo.

Get a large hammer to get the rotors off and use plenty of antiseize when you put it back together. I had to break mine in half to get them off the first time.

Aug 10, 2004 | 04:47 PM

saltzy

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Five hours with the BFH didn't even get my rotors off. Had it flat-bedded to the local shop where the guy there got it raised up for a better angle, and three more hours of whacking with a sledgehammer and two cans of that magic spray (name escapes me) wouldn't move 'em. Then he got out the torch. Nope, not even heat would release the suckers. We ended up buying complete new hub assemblies from Ford for both sides--it was the only option.

Sure, I LURVE $1800 brake jobs!

Aug 10, 2004 | 04:56 PM

radtec

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From: Eureka Mo.

PB blast penetrating oil I sprayed on every night for a week before I attempted to get mine off then as i said I broke them in half laid a line with a chiesel in center and then opened a fresh 12pack and wailed away the PB had gotten about half way thru. It took me about 4 hours on mine. Worse on a friends but only soaked for the week end only soaked in about 1/8th of the way.