Hey all,

Just trying to replace my front brake pads.

For the life of me I can't figure how to get the 4 retaining clips off. I tried just using pliers but they don't seem to want to come all the way out, and I don't want to break them.

Here's a pic.

Also is there an easier way to get at the pads?

85-GSL-SE

Thanks,

F-

 

Did you unbolt the caliper and swing it up out of the way?

 

Yup you have to unbolt the bottom slider on the caliper, then you can pivot the caliper up and pop the pads out. You'll also need a c-clamp or actual piston tool to push the piston back in and make room for the new pads. Make sure that you put some white grease on those sliders when you reinstall the caliper. Also spray the rotor with brake cleaner while you're at it.

Have fun, and don't worry, it isn't a hard job

 

Thanks. I thought so, since you have to do that for the rear brakes.

Those last 2 posts gave me more information than the whole section of the crappy Haynes manual.

I will try unbolting the calipers tomorrow.

Thanks guys,

/F/

 

I think in the Haynes manual (going on memory here) there's a better description in the back (the revisions section). The 79-80 calipers were different so the method is different (I think you have to do it different?).

Good luck.

 

Yeah the supplement had the method mentioned above (unbolting the caliper and pivoting it out of the way.

Because it only had the instructions for the rear brake pads, I though the fronts were the same throughout 79-85 but I guess not.

Either that or they wanted to save ink, so they didn't include the front ones.

/F/

 

I relied on the Haynes for my 1st brake job way back when....a friend and I pulling at those tabs wondering if we were dumb or something. We ask a friend and he says "well, did you unbolt the caliper?". Just letting you know you're not alone.

 

Thanks guys,

As usual you were right a pretty simple job. Now I just need to do the rears this weekend, and properly bleed the system. Know how for the master cylinder..not sure about at the wheel.

Is it just me, or is the bleeder screw for the master cylinder wide yet ridiculously flimsy?

F-