Removing and Installing Rear Brake Pads (1985 to early 1988 models)
This procedure covers removing and installing rear disc brake pads for 1985, 1986, 1987, and 1988 models up to VIN -J-462562. For information on finding the VIN for a particular car, see FUNDAMENTALS.
Although the calipers must be removed to change the brake pads, this can be done without disconnecting the flexible brake hose. Keeping the hydraulic system sealed eliminates the need to bleed the brakes afterward.
Brake pads and the surfaces of the rotors wear slightly differently. Always replace brake pads in complete sets. If old pads are to be reinstalled, such as after inspecting them, always make sure they are refitted in their original locations.
When replacing the brake pads, the two upper self-locking caliper mounting bolts should be replaced.
To remove:
| 1. | Raise the rear of the car and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the rear wheels. Release the parking brake. |
| 2. | Remove the wire clip that secures the parking brake cable to the brake caliper, as shown in Fig. 7-2, and unhook the cable from the actuating lever. Slide the cable out of the cable guide. |
| Fig. 7-2. | Wire clip (1) to be removed when disconnecting parking brake cable from cable guide (2). Upper caliper mounting bolt is at 3. |
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| 3. | Remove the upper self-locking caliper mounting bolt from the brake caliper. See Fig. 7-2. Hold the guide pin with an open-end wrench to remove the bolt. Pivot the caliper downward off the brake pads, as shown in Fig. 7-3. |
| Fig. 7-3. | Upper caliper mounting bolt removed and caliper pivoted downward on lower guide pin for removal of brake pads. |
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| 4. | Lift out the brake pads. |
CAUTION-
Do not interchange used pads. If the pads are to be reused, mark them for reinstallation in their same positions.
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To install:
| 1. | Place the brake pads in position on the brake pad carrier. |
| 2. | When installing new brake pads, adjust the caliper to provide clearance for the thicker new brake pads. Use a hex wrench in the piston socket to turn the caliper piston clockwise all the way into the caliper housing, as shown in Fig. 7-4. |
NOTE-
Turning in the caliper pistons to gain clearance for the thicker new brake pads will cause brake fluid to overflow the master cylinder fluid reservoir. To prevent this, use a clean syringe to first remove some fluid from the reservoir.
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| 3. | Pivot the caliper back into position and install a new upper self-locking mounting bolt. Hold the guide pin with an open-end wrench, and torque the self-locking bolt to 35 Nm (26 ft. lb.). |
| Fig. 7-4. | Rear caliper piston being turned into caliper with hex wrench. |
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| 5. | Mount the wheel and loosely install the lug bolts, then lower the car and torque the bolts to 110 Nm (81 ft. lb.). |
| 6. | Before running the engine or moving the car, pump the brake pedal at least 40 times to reset the automatic adjustment of the rear calipers. |
CAUTION-
Running the engine and providing vacuum boost to the brakes while resetting the automatic adjustment may jam the caliper.
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| 7. | Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir. If necessary, add new brake fluid to fill the reservoir to the MAX mark. |
WARNING-
New brake pads require some break-in. Allow for slightly longer stopping distances for the first 100 to 150 miles of city driving, and avoid hard stops.
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