Passenger side caliper bracket will not close after brake pad replacement

Tiny
RIVSKA6
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 KIA SORENTO
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
This is the first time replacing my brake pads. All went well, parts fit accordingly. Also, I am a novice, with limited vocabulary in this area, so I'm going to try my best here, please be patient, but I am very competent, just learning.

The problem is with the front passenger brake caliper bracket. I can't get the clamshell to close all the way at the bottom so the bolt will go in. I have removed, cleaned and lubed the pin, so I don't think that's the problem. I cannot see any obstructions anywhere that would prevent it from closing. The pistons are pushed back all the way. I've taken a wire brush to the rust. It just won't finish closing. If I struggle, I can get it within 1/8 of an inch but the bolt just won't align!
Thursday, November 19th, 2020 AT 9:30 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I think I understand the issue but can you get a picture of what you are dealing with and I am sure we can figure out how to overcome this.

Here is a guide that will help in general terms but I am not sure it covers your issue. From what I think is happening is you have the top caliper bolt in but the caliper will not come all the way down to get the bottom caliper bolt in?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-front-brake-pads-and-rotors-fwd

If this is the case you may just need to use a flat head screw driver and use some leverage to pull it down in place. However, let's get some pictures and that will confirm what we need to do. Thanks
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Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:23 AM
Tiny
RIVSKA6
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I don't think my original response actually loaded so here we go again.

You are correct, KASEKENNY1 I cannot get the bottom bolt to go in.
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Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:23 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Take a look at this picture. Can you hook a little pry bar in the caliper and pry down on it? Is it solid where it is stopping or can you pull it down and just pops back to where the picture shows it? If you can pull it down, just get down there and get the bolt started and then tighten it up. It is not uncommon for these to not want to just sit in place so you may need to force it a little.
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Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:23 AM

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