ca993twin

Please don't laugh too hard... I'm trying to replace my front pads, and I can't figure out how to remove the spring-clip gizmos that keep the pads from falling out. I removed a tiny little clamp thing, and then tried to squeeze the springs to get them loose... there seems to be a problem... another little gizmo down near the clip holes that is keeping me from squeezing the springs enough to get them loose from the calipers.

OK, go ahead and laugh... just help me please.

Bradford

Oh Steve, I wish you still lived down here

LAT

Steve, I just completed mine and have not put the wheels back on. If you don't get an answer I can take pictures and post them tonight.

Turbodan

use a metal spatula to separate the pads from the spiders. you just slide it in on the back of the pads. or you can buy a special tool for this. I got mine at the dollar store.

ca993twin

Danny,

Spiders? I think you think I'm further along. I'm trying to remove the retaiing spring gizmo so I can slide the pads out of the caliper.

911/Q45

Channel locks and give the spring a good firm squeeze. Get some kid to help if you're too old and feeble!

vincentdds

Use a nose plier and squeeze in the center and pry it up with flat screw driver.




http://p-car.com/diy/brakepads/

ca993twin

Vincent,

That looks like the info I need. I was trying instead to squeeze side-to-side, and just recently learned that the whole spring swivels down from the top when pried loose, not up from those two holes. I admit, I already put the wheels back on, but I will try this method. Thanks to all especially Don, for the kind words of encouragement.

ca993twin

OK! I got the spring retainer to swivel down, and squeezed one of the pads to retract the piston. The pad is now loose (wiggles freely inside the caliper), but doesn't want to come out of the caliper. GRRRRRR. Now what?

LAT

Now you go to Turbodan's method of separating the noise damper from the back of the pad with a small putty knife.

For better detail go to pcar-com DIY where you will get step by step instructions. This link was provided previously in posting #7
http://p-car.com/diy/brakepads/

911/Q45

The pads have to be pulled straight out. If they **** even a little, they'll jam and you have to tap them back in and start over. If the pads are worn out I'd be surprised if the dampers are still stuck to the back of the pads.

ca993twin

Thanks you guys. I actually got the passenger side pads changed, and now that I know (kinda) how to do it, I'll let the mechanic do the driver's side. That side still has the wear sensors, and perhaps he can salvage them. The new pads were a VERY tight fit (yes, I had to tap them in place with a hammer), and getting that spring clip back in place was just a matter of luck. Brakes pumped and test driven. All seems to be fine. I can see a single reservoir with fluid under the hood... is that the brake fluid? clutch fluid? Or I suspect both. Next time I contemplate a DIY, I'll drive to San Luis Obispo with a 6-pack of beer.

911/Q45

Come on down Steve, I'm partial to hot pastrami sandwiches.

cgfen

i'm glad i saw this photo before wasting my time posting a long explanation
one pic = 1000 words.
this is exactly what i do also.


you can typically reuse the spiders, use a thin putty knife to remove them then stick them into the caliper pistons, apply a bit of adhesive and slide the pads in place.
good luck

ScottMellor

Steve I'm just so damn proud of you for even attempting anything on your car other than waxing.