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

Poman · 06-02-2006, 11:15 AM

Hi! This is for my Solara SLE but I figured Camry is the same as well. I'm trying to replace my OEM worned brake pad with the new Hawks performance pad and seems like the rear pads are too thick for the caliber to close propely. Any suggestion? I have the piston pushed in all the way already. Help!

JMSinMD · 06-02-2006, 11:38 AM

Are you the same Poman that was around back in the Camryman.org beginning Solaraguy.com period? Jon.

Poman · 06-02-2006, 01:56 PM

Yea dude! Still got my Solara...it's getting old alright! Not very active nowaday but still checking messages from time to time.

***ASG14*** · 06-02-2006, 02:59 PM

What year is your solara, and what year camry did you get them from?

Poman · 06-02-2006, 03:54 PM

This is Gen1 1999 Solara. The Hawk pads installed fine for the front but the rear pads seems to be too thick. I can not close the caliper to put the bolt back on....I can put one new one and one old one and that clears it but it's not a good idea. Any idea? I don't have any!

Wraith · 06-02-2006, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poman

Hi! This is for my Solara SLE but I figured Camry is the same as well. I'm trying to replace my OEM worned brake pad with the new Hawks performance pad and seems like the rear pads are too thick for the caliber to close propely. Any suggestion? I have the piston pushed in all the way already. Help!

have you tried to C clamp the piston back to see if the brake pad sits alittle deeper inside the caliper ???

Poman · 06-02-2006, 08:40 PM

piston is pushed in all the way...the inner pad clears just fine...it's the outer pad that was in the way....I checked the Hawk's site and the pad is the right one for Solara or Camry....I need to take a pic to show you...

marc780 · 06-03-2006, 02:23 AM

Poman if you cant exchange em, just sand em down. It won't hurt em, at least i can't see how!
I'd use coarse sandpaper. a grater, a file or any combo of the above. You only have to do two of them, probably, just one for each side i'm guessing. I'd do it on a flat surface like a piece of wood or metal so as to keep the pad surface flat, too.
And be sure to wear a respirator or at least a dust mask! Or better yet, keep the pad wet as you sand it to keep the dust down.

***Tony the Tiger*** · 06-03-2006, 02:59 AM

Poman, nice to see you here on the forums again! I still remember you back in the old days on Camryman...lol

Poman · 06-03-2006, 09:56 AM

Sanding is a great suggestion! I'm just not sure how long that's going to take, I need to clear at least 1/8" on each side....that would take a while!

Perhaps I should find a replacement that's thinner.

Tony the Tiger! I remember you too! How goes it!? Looks like you got some insane setup for you car! I'm still running my original setup with SC 5lb and accessories......running out of money for upgrade! Car is getting old, maintenance fee cost more! Good to see ya!

JMSinMD · 06-03-2006, 10:26 AM

I'm curious who's still around from the Camryman days?

Myself
Tony the Tiger
Poman
Henry? in Canada

who else?

Jon.

RichieRichJP · 06-03-2006, 01:34 PM

Do what Wraith said. That's exactly what I did to install mine. I had the same problem

Poman · 06-03-2006, 02:51 PM

RichieRichJP,

You mean sanding or the C clamp? The inner pad where the piston is pushing is fine, it's the outter pad that's in the way of the caliper. Can I just sand one side of the pad and not both? Is it okay to run the 2 pads per rotor with uneven thickness inner and outer?

Poman · 06-03-2006, 03:55 PM

Problem solved....stupid me. The lower bolt goes through a sliding pin which is "slide-able" to accommodate the brake pad size...it was a bit tight and I thought it was not moveable until i pushed it hard....DOH! Thanks for all your help!