calipers

[accident]

I was going to do my brakes tonight, but my friend failed to come through with tools and all I had was a long 19mm wrench and i couldnt get the caliper bolts to turn :(

Anyway, what's the best/easiest way to spread the calipers when installing new pads? My friend suggested sticking a pair of channel locks in there and opening them, but there has to be another way. Any ideas?

[Dave]

got a big c-clamp?

If so, leave one pad in there and use the clamp to compress the piston by clamping it down.

[accident]

got a big c-clamp?

If so, leave one pad in there and use the clamp to compress the piston by clamping it down.

I want to spread the caliper apart, not press it together. Or am I understanding you wrong?

[Dave]

With a single piston caliper, that piston needs to be compressed to "spread it apart" so that the new pads will fit.

Maybe I am not understanding what you are asking.

You have to get the caliper off. Once off, you remove the old pads, compress the piston, put the new pads in place and replace the caliper.

[accident]

Interesting. Is this the piece under the rubber boot thing?

[accident]

found pictures for an e36 caliper, i see what you're saying now.

[accident]

oh, and while it's on my mind, what size are the bolts that hold the caliper in place with the pad carrier? from what i understand i remove one and it should just swing upwards?

[Dave]

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/tech...Brake_Pads.htm

[accident]

oh, awesome, that didnt come up when i googled. Thanks for all your help Dave!

[Miasma]

You will find this to be an amazing investment.

http://www.bentleypublishers.com/gallery.htm?code=B390&galleryId=1343

Get one and read the shit out of it, It will not disappoint.

AND look over RealOEM.com and PelicanParts.com.

[Massive Lee]

My friend suggested sticking a pair of channel locks in there and opening them, but there has to be another way. Any ideas?

$5.00 well spent

[accident]

You will find this to be an amazing investment.

http://www.bentleypublishers.com/gallery.htm?code=B390&galleryId=1343

Get one and read the shit out of it, It will not disappoint.

AND look over RealOEM.com and PelicanParts.com.

I keep meaning to buy one of those, but I never seem them in stores. Everybody carries Haynes

[e34john]

^^
You can get them at borders

[accident]

^^
You can get them at borders

Nice, I didnt know Borders carried them. I've been looking at auto parts stores! haha

[NC325iC]

channel locks work, just put a bit of cardboard on the piston so you dont F it