John Welch

I am trying to replace some pretty old brake pads and I need to know if I'm being a pu$$y or is there something I'm missing.

The spring that holds the brake pads in clips under this metal thing and the metal thing seems to be blocking the removal of the pads.

When I hold up the new pads to the caliper it looks like they will not go in unless this thing is removed but I can't load PET on my PC and the WSM expects me to already know.

So, how do I get the pads out?

Thanks,

Darien

John,

Have you tried to squeeze in the pistons? The metal tab does not require removal for changing the pads. When I replace mine, I normally use a set of big channel locks since I won't be using the old pads again...If I had my wheels off I'd take a picture

ckabee1

http://members.rennlist.com/v1uhoh/brakerf.htm

use the above as a guide. the pictures should answer your questions.

HTH

Darien

From Mr. Pirtle:

"Before removing the pad attempt to press it against the caliper to push the piston back into the caliper. This will push fluid back into the reservoir so check for spilling. Other methods of pushing the pistons back into the caliper include using a brake piston compressor tool, a piece of wood and a C-clamp, a screwdriver or other tool as a lever, etc. Be sure to protect the caliper, the rotor, and the pads (if you intend to reuse them)".

John Welch

I pushed the pistons all the way in.

So in theory, I should have been able to just pull out the pads. The problem is there's a lot corrosion so its making things tight.

Is there any way to remove the clip that holds the retaining spring? It seems that I am not able to clear that with the pads.

James-man

Take a pic of your problem.

Channel lock pliers usually work well for pinching the middle of the retaining spring enough that it can slip out from under that metal tab. A combination of channel locks and a screwdriver might be needed to coax the end from under the tab, but that all depends on how bad it really is.

The retaining spring has to be disengaged to replace pads. Once that is done (and detaching the brake pad wear sensor from the inside pad), it is a cakewalk.

Mrmerlin

try spraying some PB blaster on the old pads try to stay away from the pistons in the calipers then rock the pads and spray some more

James-man

I think I misread. The metal tab that holds the retaining spring is getting in the way of pad removal?

Once the pistons are compressed, pads CAN come out the bottom if the caliper is detached. That shouldn't be necessary though.

Bertrand Daoust

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-forum/444771-88-brake-pads-and-rotors-replacement-w-pics.html
A very good procedure from Dwayne with a lot of pics on how to remove the pads and rotors.
Hope this will help. Good luck.

John Welch

I tried driving out the pad from underneath the caliper and the pad starting to come out, but its \very tight and the metal clip is definitely not helping.

I was kind of hoping to avoid caliper removal, but it doesn't look up an option. I guess its a good time to change the rotors.

So, if I have the calipers off and the pistons compressed back into the caliper, I can then drop the pads out the bottom?

If so, I guess I'll stop by the partsstore and get the allen key socket.

Thanks,

ErnestSw

I assume you've removed the two pins holding the spring clip in place and have removed the spring clip from the backs of the pads.
You've got brake dampers stuck on the backs of your brake pads with adhesive. These go between the faces of the caliper pistons and the backs of your pads.
You'll need to get a thin wall scraper and gently hammer it between the backs of the pads and the insides of the calipers to loosen the dampers from the pads. then the pads should slip out easily once you compress the pistons.

Hilton

The pads on S4 calipers lift out the back of the caliper (i.e. outward direction from the center of the wheel).

However, on mine, I removed the spring clip retainer, the wear sensor leads, and still found I couldn't get the pads out. Turned out that the anti-squeal plates have a small metal "spider" that fits into the end of each piston.

I ended up undoing the M12 bolts and removing the caliper so I could push the pads together, away from the pistons, and then pull them out the back of the caliper once they weren't binding.

ErnestSw

Scraping them off the backs of the pads is a lot easier.