About to do brakes... got a couple questions.

[EviLette]

First off, let me start by saying I know how to do brakes. I know the procedure, and I've done both disc and drum brakes... just not on my Pontiac. I tried to swap out my pads once, but it didn't work due to the fact that my calipers were frozen up, and so I couldn't compress the pistons.

 

IIRC, the rear calipers compress by turning the piston plate that sits behind the pad. Clockwise or counter-clockwise is my question? I've been told you can turn it with a pair of neelde nose pliers if you don't have the specialty tool.

 

The front calipers, I know are going to need to be compressed with a clamp of some sort. I've got a six inch clamp or two, but when I saw them doing it at the shop I take my car to, they had a MASSIVE clamp on them. Is this necessary? What's the size of clamp I'm actually going to need to get clearance around the rest of the caliper in order to compress the front pistons?

 

Also, I keep seeing stuff here and there about anti-rattle clips for the brake pads. What are they? Are they imperative? Anyone have a PICTURE? lol. The only clip I saw on my brakes were the clips that snap onto the pads before you re-mount them. They help with positioning, I would think.

 

I'm putting new rotors on at this time as well. From what I remember, the rotors just slide off and on from the wheel hub assembly once the calipers have been removed.

 

**And yes, for the smartasses, I know better than to leave the caliper hanging by the brake hose. LOL.

 

Is there anything you guys can think of that I"m missing? Other than, what size are the bolts at the back of the caliper? And do I need to pick up some slide grease? Calipers just went on a couple months ago.

[bodeen2007]

for the front calipers i use a big set of channel locks and one of the old pads... the rotors do just slip on just remember to spray them with brake clean to get the protective coating thats on them off also don't forget to thoroughly clean the slides and the caliper bracket .

And do I need to pick up some slide grease? Calipers just went on a couple months ago.

I always put new grease on when you remove the calipers. It's prolly not needed but i always do it anyways

[alphagtp]

for the rear, the actual right tool cost like $5 or so is a lot easier to go and get that, other than that , I dont know what else to say

[Andrew]

the 6" clamp will work fine. and definitely use the old pad on it when compressing, dont put the clamp directly on the piston.

[ManicMechanic]

On the rear...Break open the bleeder screw slightly, makes things MUCH easier.

[Night Fury]

Set aside LOTS of time. For some reason, brakes always take longer than you'd think.

[pontiacmaniac94]

Set aside LOTS of time. For some reason, brakes always take longer than you'd think.

 

spoken by a true teenager!!

 

 

good luck! i would help you, but you are a little far away!

[EviLette]

Set aside LOTS of time. For some reason, brakes always take longer than you'd think.

 

spoken by a true teenager!!

 

 

good luck! i would help you, but you are a little far away!

 

Eh, I've done them before. Disc and drum both, just not on this car. Since its -my- car, and I'm not doing it for a moronic boyfriend, I want to make sure its done right. LOL.

[MonteCarloDude]

Set aside LOTS of time. For some reason, brakes always take longer than you'd think.

 

spoken by a true teenager!!

 

 

good luck! i would help you, but you are a little far away!

 

Eh, I've done them before. Disc and drum both, just not on this car. Since its -my- car, and I'm not doing it for a moronic boyfriend, I want to make sure its done right. LOL.