Installed New Front Discs But Pads Are Rubbing.

[dan.1337]

I recently installed new front discs on my r32. I have the 4 pot calipers.

I had a bit of trouble getting the pads back in and to get them to fit, i have put in only 3 out of 4 shims.

Firstly, is that a bad thing to be using only 3/4 shims?

Next, the pads still rub on the disc. I can spin the disc with my hands but it does take effort and they are definitely rubbing.

I had A LOT of trouble trying to push the pistons further into the caliper just to get whatever shims i could back in. Is there a way of me getting the pistons further back into the caliper? Will I have to just bleed the brakes?

I'm also not happy with the performance of my brakes. They just don't seem to bite, even after 300km of driving around with the new discs. Could this be an issue with the brake fluid/pads/something else?

Sorry about the amount of questions. Hopefully you can help me with these problems =)

[RBwhatever]

You can push the pistons back. You have to first clamp the rubber line going to the calipers and then open the bleed nipple and catch whatever fluid comes out (don't reuse it). You should be able to push the pistons back fairly easily if you do this.

I was changing my pads and didn't do the above, I ended up backing the fluid up the lines and through the master cylinder and managed to damage a seal. Not good.

[dan.1337]

if i did that, wouldn't it mean air would get into the brake line from the nipple to the clamp?

i might just do a full bleed and replace of fluid. its probably due for it anyway.

Will bleeding my brakes and replacing the fluid with dot 5/5/5.1 improve my brake response and feel?

[RBwhatever]

if i did that, wouldn't it mean air would get into the brake line from the nipple to the clamp?

i might just do a full bleed and replace of fluid. its probably due for it anyway.

Will bleeding my brakes and replacing the fluid with dot 5/5/5.1 improve my brake response and feel?

No, air won't go back in, unless your pulling the pistons out while the nipple is open. close the nipple after you've pushed them back.

Bleeding the brakes can give you better feel. If you've got air in your lines it can make it feel squishy. I'd probably use a DOT 4 if were you.

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/in...8054&hl=dot

Refer to post No. 6. Sydneykid is a very reliable source.

Edited June 28, 2007 by KeyMaker

[dan.1337]

Thanks for that link!

Looks like the smart choice would be to do a full flush and then i'll see how it goes. Will probably take it to a brakes place to get it done cos I have no idea how to do it myself.

[tacker]

did you clean the discs before you installed them? You dont want any of the coating on the new disc to get onto your pads.

[dan.1337]

did you clean the discs before you installed them? You dont want any of the coating on the new disc to get onto your pads.

Yup, i cleaned them with a paint thinner to remove all that rust protectant stuff.

I'll probably replace the pads with the flush too.

[RBwhatever]

Flushing the fluid isn't too hard. Its good if there's 2 of you doing it.

If you get the brake place to flush the fluid, you might as well get them to put the new pads in too.

Edited June 28, 2007 by KeyMaker

[dan.1337]

Flushing the fluid isn't too hard. Its good if there's 2 of you doing it.

If you get the brake place to flush the fluid, you might as well get them to put the new pads in too.

Yup, will be getting them to drop the pads in. It's really only a 2 min job.

[dan.1337]

Is only using 3 of the 4 shims bad? I haven't been braking hard due to my worries about this.

Also, what would I use to clamp my brake line? And where would I clamp it?

[RBwhatever]

I don't know how important shims are. Maybe you can make another one or get some off a wreck.

You could use a set of vice grips on the line. You should be able to see rubber sections of line in your wheel arch. Clamp it on the rubber.

[MBS206]

Clamping brake lines, just like fuel lines can be dangerous. They are known to split.

Personally, if you're going to clamp them, be prepared to replace them.

As for the shims. They are only used to prevent brake squeel. There's no worry at all if you don't run them.

[dan.1337]

Clamping brake lines, just like fuel lines can be dangerous. They are known to split.

Personally, if you're going to clamp them, be prepared to replace them.

As for the shims. They are only used to prevent brake squeel. There's no worry at all if you don't run them.

Thanks for that info, I think that I will remove the shims to give a bit of clearance between the disc and pad. Hopefully they don't rub anymore after that.

[WrenchesInTheGears]

ey guys sorry to bring up an old thread

was havin a look at my front brakes the other day becauuse i needa replace a front wheel stud, went to take the caliper off by unbolting it from the backing plate (so i could take the disc off) and once doing so i realised i cant move it as the part where the solid brake line joins to rubber is mounted solid(it appears), so how do u guys get the caliper off to enable the disc to come off without opening the hydraulic system

[Basti]

there are two bolts holding that bracket on. do a search. i was looking at doing discs this w/e and saw that on my search. cant find it now though

edit: found it! 2nd post down. http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/Br...tal-t40346.html