Front brake pads not fitting properly.

[autonewbiemazda]

Hi

I am working on replacing front wheel rotors and brake pads. Everything went ok until I tried to insert the new brake pads into the caliper. The pads just wont fit. I bought them at Autozone. I don't know if I got the incorrect pads or I am not doing something correctly. I need to fix it by tomorrow so I can test drive it.
Any suggestions and help would be most welcome. I will post pictures and my experience once I have completed the project.

THanks and have a great week.

--S

Year - 1994
Model - Protege
Engine Type SOHC 1.8 Ltr
Front brakes - Disk
Rear - Drums (?) -- I think it is drum
Miles 90000

[SleptWithURWife]

Have you pushed the caliper pot in as far as it will go? I just replaced my front calipers and pads, even with brand new calipers it is still a tight fit. Try using a pair of channel lock pliers to get the piston back in, just be careful not to damage the rubber boot. Taking the cap off the fluid reservoir is also key.

Pics help a lot too.

[autonewbiemazda]

Have you pushed the caliper pot in as far as it will go? I just replaced my front calipers and pads, even with brand new calipers it is still a tight fit. Try using a pair of channel lock pliers to get the piston back in, just be careful not to damage the rubber boot. Taking the cap off the fluid reservoir is also key.

Pics help a lot too.

I think I did. Thanks for the suggestion, I will check it again tomorrow and make sure it all the way in. I am not able to insert even the outer pad and thats when I got concerned.

Thanks and Best.

--S

[autonewbiemazda]

Have you pushed the caliper pot in as far as it will go? I just replaced my front calipers and pads, even with brand new calipers it is still a tight fit. Try using a pair of channel lock pliers to get the piston back in, just be careful not to damage the rubber boot. Taking the cap off the fluid reservoir is also key.

Pics help a lot too.

When I bought the brake pads I told the sales person that the car has rear brake drums (and not disk), I dont know for sure if it is a disk or drum. It looks like drum as I dont see a caliper or disk outside like the front one. Will that make difference in the size or type of pad? I may remove the rear wheel and check out the brakes too.

THanks again.

[Mazda_Powered]

if its an sohc it has rear drums unless your car is awd lol, but you'd know that.

after you installed your rotors, did you install the caliper then attempt to fit the pads in? or is the caliper still loose to move around? i usually just put the bolts in loose and install the inside pad first, followed by the outside pad, then tighten the bolts, then install the wire hardware, then slide the 2 pad pins in.

[SleptWithURWife]

If your sliders are seized that could be giving you problems too.

[FE3-323]

try to get a picture. we will be able to direct you better

[me109]

If your sliders are seized that could be giving you problems too.

.......As I found out last tuesday.

I think the pad thickness is the same whether you have rear disc or drum. The depth is different, but I think that is all.

[autonewbiemazda]

Here are the pictures of the disk and brake pad.

Please check out the pictures. Sorry it got delayed due to weather and working later.

try to get a picture. we will be able to direct you better

[therieldeal]

with no pads in there you should be able to slide the caliper in and out. it slides on the tubes which the mounting bolts are bolted through. it looks to me like it is probably seized up. you will have to get the tubes out, clean and lube the tubes and the bores in the caliper, and put it back together.

[autonewbiemazda]

I am able to put the caliper and tighten it up. Its the brake pads that are not going in. I hope I understood your answer. Thanks for replying. Take care

[SleptWithURWife]

Can you slide the caliper to make room for those pads? If not, then you do have seized sliders. Not a big deal, just have to take it apart, clean and lube properly. New calipers are no more than 45 once you return the core. And working with new parts is always awesome.

[autonewbiemazda]

Sorry to ask this dumb question but do you mean the four bolts when you are referring to sliders? I cleaned them and lubed them so I need to check it more. OR replace it.

Thanks and have a great weekend.

[me109]

Two of the bolts go through sleeves with rubber boots on which the whole assembly should slide in and out. The other two bolts just hold on the caliper bracket.

[protegemartin]

The piston's not in all the way either.
I use an old pad and a big pair of channel lock pliers, c-clamp works to.