Caliper prob during Eibach install... HELP!

[defchino]

Ok, so the strut is on and everything but I am having problems sliding the caliper back over the rotor. It looks like the caliper is compressed and I can't get it back open.

The service manual mentions a manual adjustment via Allen key but I can't seem to find it.

Anyone run across this problem or have any experience with brake service?

Thanks in advance...

 

[GOTZOOM?]

Remove the cap on the brake resevoir

Remove the brake pads

Use a C-Clamp to push the caliper piston back in

replace pads

You should have plent of room to slide over rotor.

When you start the car up, you may need to pump the brake pedal a few times to get the piston to its proper place.

 

[defchino]

Thanks for the quick help man.

I'll try that now, hopefully it'll work.

 

[walight01]

leave the pads in and use a huge screw driver to pry it open, its normal for them to compress when taken off the car.

 

[Familia323]

wait.... why did you take the caliper off of the rotor?

 

[GOTZOOM?]

wait.... why did you take the caliper off of the rotor?

I was also wondering but was scared to ask!

 

[Mike R]

Uh, to get the lower strut bolts out you need to remove the calipers. Had to do it for every one on mine.

 

[azian6er]

yeah... if you were just cganging the springs or shocks there should be no need to take off the caliper....

Maybe you were doing something we werent aware of..

-B

 

[Familia323]

Uh, to get the lower strut bolts out you need to remove the calipers. Had to do it for every one on mine.

you sure? Cause when I put my eibachs in I didnt have to remove my calipers.

 

[GOTZOOM?]

yeah, there is no reason to remove the caliper for strut removal

 

[Familia323]

look at it this way....at least you guys know how to remove the calipers..

 

[low_psi]

Follow what GOT ZOOM posted and you'll be fine.

For future endevours, you do NOT need to remove the calipers or rotors for a spring/strut install. Just remove the 2 bolt/nuts from the hub assembly and strut base, the strut-side swaybar endlink nut, and unclip the brake line from the strut.

 

[defchino]

wait.... why did you take the caliper off of the rotor?

The how-to I was following suggested this. I realized after that the nuts could have been taken off the strut without this step, but it made more room for my impact wrench anyway.

I'm still having troubles getting it back on, however. I gave up for the night a while ago.

How tight should this fit be? I looked on the other side and it almost looks as if the pads are resting on the rotors all the time (the hub doesn't free-wheel when I spin it). Is it possible I have another problem?

And before you ask, NO the parking brake is not engaged! heh.

Thanks for all the input.

 

[defchino]

OK, all is well now.

I found the wear adjustment bolt I was talking about, backed it off, installed the pads and the caliper slid right on with no probs.

I guess it was set too tight when I took the caliper off and I had very little margin for error to slide it back on.

Much easier on the other corners without removing the caliper!

 

[Mike R]

Hmm, I know. I used an impact on the nut, which required taking the caliper off. Could have sworn that a couple of the bolts were installed with the head facing the caliper and there wasn't enough clearance.(dunno)

 

[defchino]

Hmm, I know. I used an impact on the nut, which required taking the caliper off. Could have sworn that a couple of the bolts were installed with the head facing the caliper and there wasn't enough clearance.(dunno)

You're right, but you can go at either side with the impact wrench (the nut or the bolt). You just need to hold the other side.

 

[Mike R]

I understand that. I'm just thinking that the bolts on mine were installed with the head facing the caliper. And that there wasn't enough clearance behind the caliper on the one side to get the bolt out. No big deal, I need to look at it again. It's just too cold and I'm in too much pain! Wish I would have got more info before I tore mine apart, but it's a simple task and it only took me 1.5 hours anyway.

 

[GOTZOOM?]

I understand that. I'm just thinking that the bolts on mine were installed with the head facing the caliper. And that there wasn't enough clearance behind the caliper on the one side to get the bolt out. No big deal, I need to look at it again. It's just too cold and I'm in too much pain! Wish I would have got more info before I tore mine apart, but it's a simple task and it only took me 1.5 hours anyway.

I see what your saying. just put them back the other way and next time it will be easier.