[watchout-everyone]

Hello

I'm working to replace the brake pads right now and noticed there's some rust on my rotor.

It doesn't seem bad and I was wondering if I can just spray this brake parts cleaner at it and just swipe it off using wire brush or things like that.

Would this be safe or should I just ignore the rust then just install the brake pads?

[watchout-everyone]

Sharing my old vs new brake pads for bonus.

Just got the Brake error sign and i guess the sensor wasn't wrong...

[whyzee125]

Brake cleaner is perfectly safe for the brake area but it won’t remove rust. Unless you’re trying to dress it up for cosmetics, just send it. I always use a little brake cleaner to get off my oily hand prints and stuff from the rotor and blow out the extra brake dust from the caliper area

[watchout-everyone]

Originally Posted by whyzee125

Brake cleaner is perfectly safe for the brake area but it won’t remove rust. Unless you’re trying to dress it up for cosmetics, just send it. I always use a little brake cleaner to get off my oily hand prints and stuff from the rotor and blow out the extra brake dust from the caliper area

Thanks for the quick response! Will proceed right now.

[watchout-everyone]

Okay I put in the new brake pad but the caliper will not go back in...


Is this the case where I need to buy a clamp and push in the inner brake pad all the way in to create more space? I double checked and I believe I bought the correct brakepas for my vehicle

[whyzee125]

Originally Posted by watchout-everyone

Okay I put in the new brake pad but the caliper will not go back in...


Is this the case where I need to buy a clamp and push in the inner brake pad all the way in to create more space? I double checked and I believe I bought the correct brakepas for my vehicle

Yes you’ll need to compress the pistons a bit so the new thicker pads clear the rotor. A regular c clamp will work or you can get creative if you have some random tools around.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by watchout-everyone

Okay I put in the new brake pad but the caliper will not go back in...


Is this the case where I need to buy a clamp and push in the inner brake pad all the way in to create more space? I double checked and I believe I bought the correct brakepas for my vehicle

Here's my advice. A proper brake refurb includes new pads, a new pad wear sensor, and either resurfaced rotors or new replacement rotors. While you can do it and just replace the pads, the proper protocol is to have the pad bed to a fresh smooth rotor surface in consideration of long-term brake performance.

The correct procedure is to fully reset (compress) the caliper piston back into the caliper cylinder bore. The best and easiest way to do that is with a caliper piston tool that pushes against the piston using the opposite (non-piston) side of the caliper. Most auto part stores sell a simple inexpensive tool to do that procedure which is a threaded plate and threaded long bolt with a cup on the end. Use the old pad still clipped into the piston so as to not get the piston cross-set in the bore.

The best method to follow to reset the piston, which is easiest on the brake system is to set up a catch bottle and open the caliper bleed screw. This prevents pushing the brake fluid backwards through the brake hose and pipe back to the ABS module.

[Grease23]

A c clamp and a big washer has always worked for me. As you compress the piston(s) the fluid has to go somewhere, so if the reservoir is pretty full you might want to take some fluid out to make room. A turkey baster works for that.

I wouldn't worry about rust on the non contact parts of the disc. If you clean it off, it will be rusty in a couple days.

[StradaRedlands]

As above, yes, you have to figure out a way to press the caliper piston back in.

BTW don't let the caliper hang from the just the line... make sure you're supporting it with some wire or a bungie cord or something.

[Efthreeoh]

And just to say it, wear eye protection when spraying brake cleaner.

[watchout-everyone]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

As above, yes, you have to figure out a way to press the caliper piston back in.

BTW don't let the caliper hang from the just the line... make sure you're supporting it with some wire or a bungie cord or something.

Thanks! It's sitting on my jack stand right now

[watchout-everyone]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

And just to say it, wear eye protection when spraying brake cleaner.

Will do. Thank you for the heads-up!

[jsunma]

Or if you want to spend money, you can spend a little here...

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...ool/scwbk-510/

I've been using this tool on multiple cars for about 15 years.

[watchout-everyone]

Originally Posted by jsunma

Or if you want to spend money, you can spend a little here...

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/caliper-piston-compressor-tool/scwbk-510/

I've been using this tool on multiple cars for about 15 years.

Yessir lol. Amazon just delivered and it's working like magic.

Thanks everyone!

[Brandoch]

Originally Posted by watchout-everyone

Yessir lol. Amazon just delivered and it's working like magic.

Thanks everyone!

NOT LIKE THAT!!!!!! There is a chance you'll damage the new pads that way. Use the old pads or a block of wood.

[watchout-everyone]

Originally Posted by Brandoch

NOT LIKE THAT!!!!!! There is a chance you'll damage the new pads that way. Use the old pads or a block of wood.

Thank you. i finished the left side using the new one unfortunately but i will use the old one for the other side

[StradaRedlands]

Yeah, as soon as I saw that I wanted to holler WAIT!!!!

Definitely use the old ones when you're pressing it open!

[Efthreeoh]

You can lead a horse to water...

[watchout-everyone]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

You can lead a horse to water...

Lol oppsie

[watchout-everyone]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Yeah, as soon as I saw that I wanted to holler WAIT!!!!

Definitely use the old ones when you're pressing it open!

My L. I took it out and it looks fine so I think I got lucky

That should have been obvious to use the old one but I got too excited as soon as I got my c clamp delivered smh

[watchout-everyone]

I'm going to keep this post up so others can learn from my stupid ass mistake. Damn

[3PedalJake]

Originally Posted by watchout-everyone

I'm going to keep this post up so others can learn from my stupid ass mistake. Damn

That's not a stupid mistake that's just learning curve. Stupid mistake is taking it to a Stealer. Props for giving a DIY go!