[cdnturboz]

Been putting together the front brakes on my 72 lemans and noticed that my new outer brake pads don’t clip into the Caliper - it almost seems like the pad itself is manufactured slightly different (power stop brand). Will this be an issue or should I get some different pads? There is a good 1/8” between the pad tang and the Caliper.


The Calipers are new as well to rule that out I even tried another reman Caliper and same thing the outboard pad is essentially loose.

[Goatracer1]

Pound the tabs down. Most replacement pads are that way. Tap the tab down BEFORE you put it in the caliper just enough to make it snug.

[cdnturboz]

Thanks I’ll give it a try


I also noticed the Caliper pins don’t protrude out past the caliper will that be an issue? They are slightly inset.

[Scarebird]

Don't beat on the tabs - bend them down with a large pair of Channelocks.

[Goatracer1]

I have been tapping them since they first came out in late 1960's or early 1970's. I find it is easier to bend them the correct amount that way. If you use pliers you often bend them too much.

[cdnturboz]

Thanks guys - was never sure now a days with offshore parts of that was correct or not.

For the Caliper pins if they’re inset a bit is that ok ?

[65 Lamnas]

I've been forming those "clamps" on the outer pads ever since my first brake job a long time ago. Whether you use a hammer or a pair of pliers makes no difference. They just need to clip in tightly.

As the pads wear, the piston incrementally works its way out of its bore to compensate for the loss of friction material. Likewise, the caliper pins start to protrude incrementally further through the caliper. The caliper slides on those pins. The pins are "inset" because the pads are new and thick.

[cdnturboz]

Thanks that’s what I figured - the reman calipers I got had one caliper bolt that was longer so I was confused as to what was going on. I’ll most likely use my shorter originals then or find some proper length ones.

[Scarebird]

Originally Posted by cdnturboz

...the reman calipers I got had one caliper bolt that was longer so I was confused as to what was going on...

GM had 2 different thickness rotors that used those calipers; 1.00" and 1.25". The pins of course would be different lengths.

[Skip Fix]

What cars/trucks used the 1.25?

[Scarebird]

Originally Posted by Skip Fix

What cars/trucks used the 1.25?

1971-76 B's
1971-97 1/2 tons (most)
1998-2002 F
1990-2002 Astro AWD
1965-82 Corvette

are the main ones I can remember