Brake Assembly

[fwdturbobov1996]

bought some 13" rotors and 4 piston calipars off a buddy. Wilwood.

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now with the caliper and all assembled the rotor wont fit. The pistons are compressed already. The metal ring backing the pads are pressing against doesnt seem to want to budge. Do I have to disassble the actual caliper itself and put it together around the brake rotor?

 

[JayRolla]

I wouldnt think so. Are the rotors made for the calipers. Have you asked your buddy?

 

[fwdturbobov1996]

Yea they came off the car. I checked their site, didnt see any immediate matches for the calipers that they have now. Hopefully I can get it figured out.

 

[jumpfroggy]

I'm trying to figure out why it wont fit. I'm guessing the brake pads are too close together to fit over the rotor? You say the pistons are compressed, but from the pics it looks like the pistons are still poking out a little (ie. the brake pad is not flush with the caliper). How did you compress the pistons? Some need to be turned and "screwed" back into the caliper. I think stock's just push in (that's what I've done). Check the piston, there may be notches on it so you can turn it.

Try to figure out what calipers you have and check their site for instructions. Anyone know if wilwoods are the screw-in type?

 

[fwdturbobov1996]

Well on the site it says they push in by hand. The metal backing that the brake pads are sitting on seems to be solid, maybe im not pushing hard enough, but they did say that you should be able to push them in with a fingers pressure. This brake kit is from 2002 . They dont have a caliper thats identical to it on the site. Ill inspect closer tommorow. 3am and paying attention to small details doesnt really mix.

 

[jumpfroggy]

Could be dirty? Lots of brake dust accumulates on these things. I read a few wilwood rebuild guides, mention cleaning the pistons (brake cleaner) a lot so they don't stick. Could be something simple like that.

Can you take a picture closer/not so fuzzy, maybe with the brake pads off? Just curious if the pistons are flush with the caliper.

 

[fwdturbobov1996]

i'll try my camera sucks so bad I can never get a clear picture.

 

[JayRolla]

Im guessing they need compressed just a little more. Use a clamp of some sort not just your hand. Ive had the same problem many times. Its always a close fit.

 

[fwdturbobov1996]

Yea they came with metal plate spacers for the pads. So I put on one, compressed it with a c-clamp slowly. Now they allow the rotor to fit in between just fine. Now Im jsut waiting on the brake line to begin the install.