brake pad removal

[gtkid2]

how do I remove the front brake pads? do I have to split the caliper? thanks!

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by gtkid2 how do I remove the front brake pads? do I have to split the caliper? thanks!

Nope, you drive out those two pins you see. Use a punch, and go from the outside towards the inside of the car. Then you slide the pads out.

[jlthunder]

Gene is correct. Don't split the caliper, it will never go back together without leaking. Knock the pins out. New ones are available from OGTS, or Opel JIM, if they are shot.

It will be your easiest pad changeout. (well, almost, my wife's 99 civic was really easy, one bolt and the caliper hinged open)

[AZManta]

To do the job properly be sure to repack the wheel bearings and machine the rotors (and check thickness).

[Sparky73]

And check those darn rubber brake lines! Seems like every GT I've had needed them replaced. They will collapse inside making them pretty much unusable.

[gtkid2]

everything came apart ok... so what do I rebuild on the calipers if I can't split it? or can I do work to it without splitting it? thank you!

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by Sparky73 And check those darn rubber brake lines! Seems like every GT I've had needed them replaced. They will collapse inside making them pretty much unusable.

What he said plus the rear!

Harold

[Paul]

Originally Posted by gtkid2 everything came apart ok... so what do I rebuild on the calipers if I can't split it? or can I do work to it without splitting it? thank you!

You can get the pistons out with a little compressed air and a block of wood. You do not need to split the calipers to rebuild them. Actually the seals for the caliper halves are NOT included in the rebuild kit, so if you split them you'll be SOL

[Aardvaark]

One thing that should be mentioned is that even big brake shops
and professional mechanics seldom rebuild calipers themselves. Rather they usually send them to a local brake rebuilder who has the parts and equipment to restore the piston bores properly if needed.

While I do replace brake pads and have rotors turned myself if needed,
I take any caliper rebuilding to the local brake rebuild who usually has them done the same day if taken in by noon. And the cost which usually isn't too bad includes "loading" with new pads which you can either use or replace with better ones. The shop I use has been in bidness forever and even has
rebuilt exchange calipers for some Opels ready to go.

In the meantime while waiting for the calipers to be finished, I repack the hubs and have any rotor work done.

IMO, it just isn't worth the time, work and mess to rebuild the calipers and wheel cylinders myself for what the local shop that caters to the mechanics will do it for.

Jmo.

[gtkid2]

I'll see if there are any shops around my area... thank you for the response!