Rear Caliper and Pad Removal
Rear disc brakes with the parking brake assembly
built in require slightly different procedures, Figure 13-17.
In some cases, special tools are needed to retract the
piston into the bore. When servicing pads and rotors on
a rear disc brake assembly, the first step is to disconnect
the parking brake cable from the caliper. Once the park-
ing brake cable is disconnected, loosen the caliper bolts
and carefully remove the caliper. You may need to
remove other components before caliper removal can be
performed.
Three common parking brakes are used with rear
wheel disc brakes. They are the screw, ball and ramp, and
cam. Special procedures for each type is discussed in the
following paragraphs. See Chapter 6 for additional infor-
mation on caliper service.
Screw-Type Caliper Service
On disc brake calipers with screw type parking brake
mechanisms, the cable actuating lever is connected to an
actuating or high lead screw. The screw passes through a
splined nut cast in the piston. When the cable moves the
lever, the screw rotates and moves the piston outward,
tightening the pads against the disc.
When servicing this type of caliper, there are two
ways to compress the piston in the caliper. The first is to
turn the piston back into the caliper using a spanner
wrench or special tool once the caliper is removed,
Figure 13-18. The second method allows you to push the
piston back in, similar to front calipers. The first step is to
remove the parking brake actuator lever from the caliper
after the cable has been removed. Do not turn the caliper
high lead screw. Once this lever has been removed, com-
pressing the piston in is much easier, Figure 13-19. Once
the pads are removed, carefully push the piston back into
the caliper. The piston can usually be pushed into the
caliper without damage.
When installing the pads, make sure the “D” shaped
locator lines up with the “D” shaped projection on the
back of the inner brake pad, Figure 13-20. The two-way
check valve should also be replaced whenever the caliper
is serviced. If the actuating lever was removed, replace the
lever seal and make sure the high lead screw is all the way
out after caliper installation.
216 Auto Brakes
Figure 13-15. r A—Placing the caliper over the rotor. B—Caliper
is being installed over pads and rotor after one side (end) has
been attached to the caliper support. (Chevrolet, Honda)
e Caliper Calipe
bolt
Caliper
support
pads Ne e w pads
Piston
R Ro tor
Caliper
Rotor
New
pads pads
Figure 13-16. Some brake pads require that metal tabs on the
pad shoe be staked to the caliper. Use a pair of adjustable
pliers to stake the pads. (Chevrolet)
Caliper
Adjustable
pliers
Note: Some technicians stake pads by
wedging a small chisel between the bottom
edge of the outer pad and the hub, then
staking the pad using a second chisel and hammer.
This practice is not recommended.
Note: Always service one rear caliper at a
time.
B
A A
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