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Disc Brake Pad Installation

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kodpkd

kodpkd

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1961 BT7. Original front calipers, just rebuilt. I got a set of semi metallic pads I want to try. The pads on the car don't have much wear. I am having a hard time pushing the cylinders back enough to slide the new pads in place. Calipers and rotors on the car. I have tried opening the bleeder. I got the pads from Moss. Is there a trick to installing new pads? They almost seem to thick.
 
You physically have to push the piston back into the caliper . If you have the old pads out then use a bar or screwdriver or something to drive the piston back ,opening the bleeder will make it easier .
 
The pads from Moss came with a backing shims. I removed the shims, squeezed the pistons in more and could, just, slide the pads in. They seem snug, but I will have to do a test drive and see how they feel. I am doing an adjustable tie rod install, it will be a few days.
 
The shims may be anti-squeal shims, although the Moss website states their semi-metallic pads (585-527) come with anti-squeal compound bonded to the pad.
 
I got the classic gold semi metallic 517-005. I have a 61 BT7. These also say the have anti squeal compound, but they had a shim glued to the back.
 
I retracted the pistons a little more and was able to get the pads into the calipers. They seem a little tight. I did take it for a short test drive and the discs didn't get hot. However the brakes don't seem to be very strong. When the weather gets better I am going to do a breakin process.
My question, after installing new pads, will stopping get better after they are broke in?
 
Brake pads that make good contact with the brake disc heat up due to the friction.
Even a new brake pad has to wear in a little on the brake disc in order to achieve optimum friction
 
Braking during a lap of less than a kilometer makes the disc hot enough for a blister on your finger
 
kodpkd said:
I retracted the pistons a little more and was able to get the pads into the calipers. They seem a little tight. I did take it for a short test drive and the discs didn't get hot. However the brakes don't seem to be very strong. When the weather gets better I am going to do a breakin process.
My question, after installing new pads, will stopping get better after they are broke in?
Click to expand...
Yes.
 
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