Wondering if any others are having problems when changing pads front
or rear of the metal part of the brake pad not fitting properly in the
brake holder bracket.. lately i have been having to file the metal
on the brake pad to get them to fit properly, i have also been changing
the hardware to insure smooth operation, but somtimes the pads wont
even fit into the brackets..... any thoughts...

 

I had the same problem with a Honda that was recently in my shop. Were they NAPA pads by any chance?

 

yes they were NAPA pads, the ceramic version, i took them off
and picked up a set of AutoZone pads semi metallic and same thing,,
get out the file and start taking off a little at a time until they fit
snug enough to hold with out binding but not loose enough to chatter

 

i also have had the same problem on my dads f150 my blazer and my mustang.
i chalk it up to either a measurement issue or quality control.

i actually get the file out as part of my brake changing routine now...shouldnt be that way. my pads come from autozone.

 

yea im starting to think that the manufacturing process when the steel is stamped of punched that it flairs slightly causing it to be to large
(im just guessing here) perhaps the manufacturing company should
try installing a set ?

 

I encounter this at almost every brake job regardless of the vehicle aside from the fact that they all use a caliper bracket that holds the pads. What I attribute it to is corrosion on the caliper bracket. I clean them up with a 2" buffing pad on my right angle air grinder as part of the post-disassembly inspection of the parts. I do the same to the areas of the caliper that contact the pads which cuts down on the potential for brake squeal as well.

 

That's funny, the pads I had the problem with were NAPA as well. Hmmmm


I would normally agree with you..... However when i had the problem with the honda it was with brand new calipers as well.

 

I have cleaned up everthing well, but when the pads fit so tight that
possibly the caliper will have trouble compressing then in or better yet
they will get twisted(crooked) in the bracket and start to wear funny..
also i have been using different brands and doing jobs for other
people (different cars) , and mostly its the same issue.... Im just starting to chaulk it up to "Custom Fitted Brake Pads"...
but on the rare occasion i do get a set that fits properly, like BMW, and
Honda, those dont give a problem... so anyway i just keep a fine tooth
file in my tool bag...

 

I hate to swerve the subject, but please dont tell us you bought AZ's cheapest. PO of my Tbird used them and they are eating my rotors. Not the only one who has noted that, either.

Bought Raybestos Pro ceramic for my Bravadiva and the rotors look perfect after about 1000 mi.

No problems getting them into calipers with clips on but they were snug. Recall a little tap needed on one

Could this have anything to do with 'cocked caliper' syndrome? About 6 years ago one rear caliper 'cocked' on my Taurus. It was the OE and seemed to happen suddenly.
I couldnt find anything wrong with the calipers, the slide pins were near perfect and no binding whatsoever. And it is a single piston setup.
- parking brake worked easily, also.
I just replaced the pads and rotor and added a little pin lube and it did 80 kmiles more with no problem.