s79vette

Is it safe to pull brake pads before installing piston clips?

PatG

If the dust boot on the caliper piston is in good shape then it should hold the piston in. If the boot was torn all the way around or not pressed in correctly then it is concievable that the whole piston would pop out assuming the stock springs are still behind the piston. Just check the boots before removal and you should not have a problem.

MN-Brent

I just happen to have the 82 GM shop manual handy and it says:

1) remove cotter pin and slide out shoe retaining pin.
2)Then simply remove the inboard shoe by pulling up on it and push pistons back in with 2 screwdrivers.
3) Reinstall new inner brake shoe.

It also says to remove 2/3 fluid from the MC so it does not overflow when you push back the pistons.

Then it says to perform the same procedure to the outer shoe. I thikn this is assuming the caliper is still mounted to the car.

Piston clips are an aftermarket luxury I suppose.

(Many people remove the piston springs during caliper rebuild to minimize air pumping effect and a possible secondary benefit from this may be ease of new pad installation as the spring wont push out the pistons while your trying to work on it.)

Brent.....


[Modified by MN-Brent, 1:40 PM 3/9/2003]

s79vette

Thanks for the help fellas. Don't have any piston clips, thot I'd make my own.
The pistons seem to move out freely while forcing them back in with a
screwdriver on old pad. They are original and the pads aren't worn real
bad, just thot I'd install new ones and replace fluid at the same time. Steve