Seperating brake caliper

[iindsay]

Hey Guys,

new to the forums, just got a used corolla and I absolutely love it. The PO had seriously like no brake pads left, so I am trying to replace them. I removed the front caliper and removed the old pads, so naturally i have to spread the caliper so the new pads will fit over the rotor. I pushed the piston back in with a c clamp but the pad won't fit into the opposite side of the caliper, i tried to push this side back with the c clamp to no avail! how to I open the other (non piston) side of the caliper to get the new pad in and fit the caliper back over the rotor?

Any help is appreciated!

[Zembonez]

It needs to be centered. The caliper slides (floats) in and out once mounted to accommodate the inner and outer pads. Mount it loosely and see if you can center it that way.

[iindsay]

Thanks Zembonez,

I actually remounted the caliper earlier with a new pad on the piston side and an old one on the opposite, since I needed to use the car. Hopefully that will have centered it better, I'll take a look tomorrow and see.

Thanks again

[speedy25]

The sliding pins for the caliper seize up when they get corroded. If you dont fix it you will get severe pad wear. Make sure all the parts move like they should.

-SP