Brake pad too thick? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

coolien35 · 07-10-2009, 07:43 PM

91 camry 3SFE

I'm trying to replace the front brake pads and they seem too thick??? I can't the caliper back in place. I did compress the piston all the way back in. Still no go. I'm quite sure I got the right pads. Any suggestions ?

Doctor J · 07-11-2009, 11:25 AM

The total thickness of the pad is 15 mm including metal backing plate.
{10 mm linning 5 mm plate]
the piston should be almost flash with caliper surface; use "c" clamp to push piston in.

TBayToyotaBoy · 07-11-2009, 11:33 AM

Doctor J made a good point: make sure that the piston's outer surface is flush with the caliper bore--if it's not retracted 100% then the new pads might not quite clear. If you can't get the piston completely compressed then it may be seized.

BUT-and this has happened on both my Camry and my Celica-make sure the store gave you the right pads. Sometimes their computer "shows" a part number being appropriate when it's not.

coolien35 · 07-11-2009, 12:53 PM

Thanks for the replies

The pads are indeed 15mm. The problem is not with the piston, I can't fit the caliper over the pads. Could it be that the sliding bushing is suppose to compress on the caliper (I've never done brakes before)? This is the only thing that is sticking out too much.

I know i'm not explaning this very well, i'll try to post pictures if I can.

Mike Gerber · 07-11-2009, 01:18 PM

"Could it be that the sliding bushing is suppose to compress on the caliper "

Yes, the sliding bushings (there are 2 on each caliper mounting bracket) should move in and out with a bit of effort. Make sure they both move in and out freely; then try to push them back in to the caliper mounting bracket. Hopefully this will give you enough room to get the caliper back on.

In addition, check the new pads against the old pads and make sure they are identical.

Mike

coolien35 · 07-12-2009, 06:31 PM

Sliding bushings were the problem. Tapped them lightly with a ruber mallet and everything went fine after that.

Thanks for the help

TBayToyotaBoy · 07-14-2009, 12:12 AM

*Groan* If the sliders are already sticking, slap a whole crap-load of anti-seize compound in the bore (either silver or copper will do). They're going to seize up completely by the time you get around to swapping the pads next time, and the inboard pads will wear-out roughly 50% faster than the outer pads...trouble, I tells ya.

Doctor J · 07-14-2009, 12:01 PM

Autozone used to sell caliper grease made for this purpose