uffo

Alright, I figured I'd save $150 by replacing my own front pads. Everything is going fine until i try and pull the caliper off. I've removed the two bolts off the back and the spring in the front but cannot remove the caliper. I suspect it has to do with the small 'lip' (less than 1/8") on the edge of the caliper from wear and the pads being pressed just under the lip. Anyone know how to release the pressure of the caliper enough to pull it off?

TIA

..::Blaq A4::..

i think you must grain the brake fuid to release the pressure.....

BOOSTD

you did take the cap off the master cylinder, right?

kingfishgrapejam

The other bolts remove the whole mount. There are small black plugs over the allan bolts. If you did remove the allan bolts and the spring the pry the caliper off of the disc with a big screw driver.

kingfishgrapejam

No!! DO NOT DO THIS

Tbandido

I am assuming you have properly removed the black plastic caps and the allen bolts that hold the caliper in place. If you have done this, and feel that the "lip on the rotor" is in the way, you need to carefully and slowly return the caliper piston to it's starting position. You will have to do this anyway to fit new thick pads in anyway. This is how the caliper adjusts for wear. I use a large C-Clamp, any auto parts store will have a tool for rent that is similar.
One important thing...make sure the brake fluid level is not too high when you start because it WILL OVERFLOW. Loosen the resevoir top and be ready to drain extra fluid off as necessary. I use a syringe or similar device. Good luck.

brrman

I changed my front brakes last weekend.
This is exactly what I did:

* Engaged the emergency brake and put the car in gear - IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS THE PISTON WILL BE PUSHING THE PADS ONTO THE ROTOR - possibly your problem.

* Removed the wheel. Removed the plastic plugs over the hex key/allan bolts. Removed the bolts.

* The caliper easily came off and I removed the pads. Used the C-Clamp to push the piston in (YOU NEED NOT DRAIN ANY FLUID unless you have too much in there to start with). Taking the cap off the master cylinder(reservoir) may help if it seems hard to push in the piston (to allow air pressure drain)

*Replaced the pads onto the caliper and put everything back together.

* To finish you take the car off the jack, put the car in park and pump the pedal a few times to put the fluid back into the piston.

Should be good to go. Just did my back brakes today if you need help there...