Cannot fit new pads on rotor

[jdozarchuk]

1997 SHO. Today I finally bought new brake pads and rotors. I am stuck though. I put the new pads on <I'm 98% sure that I put the pads in properly), and the caliper will not fit back on over the rotor. The gap is about a centimeter smaller than the rotor. I have never seen any brakes like this, even though they look like standard brakes. Is there some kind of hydraulics in the caliper that will allow me to open it up more? FYI, I have the piston pushed back in as far as it can go, and I am positive that I have the right brake pads, I got them from Advance AutoParts.

Any ideas? This is my first Ford, but these brakes don't look any different than that of my Pontiac Grand Am... Thanks..

 

[sdpatt]

You must press the piston back into the caliper to allow clearance for the thicker pads. There are caliper spreader tools desingned for this process (about $8 at auto parts stores) or you can also use a large C-clamp. The fronts simply press in, but the rear rotors must be screwed in with the proper two-pronged adapter that installs on a socket wrench (also available at auto supply stores). If you have topped off the brake fluid reservoir, be aware that pressing the piston back into the caliper will send fluid back in to the reservoir. If it was too full to start with, it may overflow. That is where the fluid goes as the brakes wear - to the pistons.

 

[jdozarchuk]

Did that... I forgot to clarify something. The pad that goes against the piston is in fine. I got the piston in as far as it can go, and put the pad back in there. The gap between the OUTER pad and the metal on the caliper is too small... The rotor against the piston is back in the metal like it should be. This is strange....

 

[sdpatt]

I have seen some brands of pads that use an improperly sized backing plate. What brand did you get? You may want to consider a more tried and true brand such as Performance Plus carbon Metallics. Please don't tell me that is the brand that you have.

 

[F-22 Raptor SHO]

I think I know the answer to this one: are u putting the pad on the correct side? there should be an "L" stamp on the pad for the left side and vice versa. If you reverse them, they dont go on