Windstar 2002: Can't get caliper over new brake pads....

[desimunda]

Originally Posted by garync1

I have a caliper tool as well. most cases on the single piston C clamps work fine. Another trick with a C clamp with multi pistons calipers is a strip of metal or wood thats thin enough but yet strong enough to back in the multi piston set up.

yes what i did was just used the old pad and the C clamp.

and i just did the pads 'fordboss' i didn't take the rotor off because they were in pretty good shape and the old pads still had some meat left on them. so i just assumed my rotor should be alright(no visible deep marks)...hopefully brake cleaner cleaned it good!

[12Ounce]

On rear drum setups:

After removing the drum, use a digital camera to take several images at all angles before removing anything else. You will find this very helpful when reassembling.

BTW, I just yesterday replaced the front pads and front rotors on my '99 Winnie. Got about 150k - 160k miles out of these last aftermarket rotors. The mileage you get out of rotors varies so much due to different road conditions and driving practices. I do very little driving on unpaved roads, but I do occasionally tow.

[desimunda]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

On rear drum setups:

After removing the drum, use a digital camera to take several images at all angles before removing anything else. You will find this very helpful when reassembling.

good tip thanks....i am going to go through both the fords manual and haynes.

[Ed_Strong]

Originally Posted by garync1

I have a caliper tool as well. most cases on the single piston C clamps work fine. Another trick with a C clamp with multi pistons calipers is a strip of metal or wood thats thin enough but yet strong enough to back in the multi piston set up.

Yes... the old inner brake pad is just perfect to get this acomplished, just leave it in place as you work the c-clamp or channelock pliers to get the caliper piston(s) resetted. Then remove the old pad and replace it with the new pad. That's the way i did it before I got the caliper tool!