Replacing Brake Pad Nightmare - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

BradD · 11-09-2004, 12:35 AM

I'm trying to replace the brake pads on a 1996 Camry. I've got the old pads off and I can't get the new ones back on. I've noticed there are two little springs that are supposed to be inserted into the bottom of the pads. How are you supposed to do this? I've tried putting the pads in first and trying to slid the springs under the pads. No luck. I've tried to put the springs in each pad and slide the whole unit back into the caliper. No luck. I've tried one pad at a time. No luck. What if I put the pads back in but with no springs? They look like they would stay in the clips but I don't want to be creating a hazzard. Is this process supposed to be this hard or am I just stupid? I need some simple advice. I've got the car jacked up with pads off and I can't get them back on if I had to. Help!!

88 LE · 11-09-2004, 02:16 AM

The springs go into the top of the pads.

1. Install pads into caliper bracket.

2. Install springs into the top of the pads.

They fit into little holes on the top of the pads.

3. Install caliper.

Make sure the piston is compressed into the caliper, otherwise you'll never get the caliper on.

The Wolf · 11-09-2004, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Make sure the piston is compressed into the caliper, otherwise you'll never get the caliper on.

A C-clamp works wonders for this. Be sure the fluid doesn't overflow the reservoir when you push the piston back in.

Velox_camry · 11-09-2004, 04:55 AM

hey if u start your car when the caliper pistons are out doesnt it retract them ? because it regulates the brake fluid pressure ?

like when u push the brakes several times when the car is off the brake pedal gets stiff, but when u turn the car on, it makes the pedal soft again.

BradD · 11-09-2004, 07:14 AM

I just looked at the caliper that still has the pads on. The springs are under the pads. Am I overlooking something? I'm not trying to doubt anyone's wisdom but I'm confused. Does the caliper open from both ends?

***Eye8Pussies*** · 11-09-2004, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Velox_camry
hey if u start your car when the caliper pistons are out doesnt it retract them ? because it regulates the brake fluid pressure ?

like when u push the brakes several times when the car is off the brake pedal gets stiff, but when u turn the car on, it makes the pedal soft again.

no, it actually doesn't....after pushing the pistons in, you have to pump the brakes a couple of times to get the pressure back in and have the brakes work

***EKam*** · 11-09-2004, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BradD
The springs are under the pads. Am I overlooking something?

The springs clips on to 2 little holes on the side of the pad, not under it.

88 LE · 11-09-2004, 04:40 PM

Camryamnesty · 11-09-2004, 05:35 PM

also, before you get ready to leave with your new pads, dont forget to pump the brakes to get the pressure back, or you will have no brakes when u go to stop the first time

bowlofturtle · 11-09-2004, 07:30 PM

also. on top of that if you still having issues with the pad going into the caliper you might wanna invest in a brake hardware kit. cost about 10$ a pair. hardware kit are the metal parts holding the pad to the caliper on the upper and lower parts. Mines a 96 and they got all rust and banged up.

***Your Uncle Moe*** · 11-10-2004, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 88 LE

In my V6 I have 1 piston. So dont be confused if you find only 1 instead of 2 like int he picture.