Can get pads into caliper (rear discs)

[dudecati]

Hi All,

I'm trying to install the new rear brake pads I got for my 91 318is. They are Bosch QuietCast 34-21-1-158-912. I've got the caliper piston pushed all the way in but I simply cannot get the pads to clear themselves to get into the caliper. I can get one pad in - on either side - but simply do not have enough space for the second pad to slide in so I can get it into place.

Any ideas or suggestions? I'm super frusterated that what should have been an easy job has stalled for over an hour just trying to get the pads into the caliper - what am I missing?

Thanks!

[jlevie]

If the pistons are fully retracted, the pads you have are too thick, i.e., not the correct pads.

[dudecati]

I'd have to agree - I'm off by about 1/8" or so. The PN for the pads does check out as correct but I've got a message into the vendor I purchased them from.

[WhyNot]

if you have the caliper unbolted from the caliper mount, the 7mm allen sliders pins hold it together, then there may be a problem with the pads.

but if you didnt unbolt the caliper from the mount, and just unbolted the caliper and mount as one unit, by taking off the 16mm bolts, then you have to separate the caliper from the mount.

the sizes are from my 91 vert so yours might be different or my memory bad.
also, unscrew the master cylinder cap when you compress the piston
good luck

[dudecati]

Success - sometimes walking away from something and having another set of eyes look at the problem makes all the difference in the world. My son and I tried all sorts of combos and took into account what WhyNot" said above and one of those combos let it all JUST clear. So, one down and one to go - thanks all for the support and ideas!