Replacing Brake Pads Topic is solved

Derek · Post by **Derek** » 13 Apr 2005, 19:29

I recently purchased a 1987 Volvo 740 GLE and the brake pads were really worn. When I went to replace the pads, getting the old ones out (which were down to nothing) was easy. But the pistons that push the pads together didnt allow for enough room to get the new pads in. A friend and I tried to push the pistons back in but didnt want to damage the piston boots. Any ideas of how to get the pistons back in so I an install the new pads? or should I just suck it up and get a mechanic to do it? Thanx

LaRy · Post by **LaRy** » 14 Apr 2005, 13:08

Are you having problems withe the front- or rear brakes?

George Vrionis · Post by **George Vrionis** » 20 Apr 2005, 22:08

Hi

Make sure the reservoir cap is open when you try to squeeze pistons back in. Take out a bit of brake fluid with a syringe so it does not overflow when pushing the pistons back and make sure you don't drop any dirt or other crap into the reservoir.

I hope this helps. If afterall you are not sure take it to the mechanic. Get the brakes wrong and you're in for it!.

Cheers

George

TAFinley · Post by **TAFinley** » 23 Apr 2005, 20:22

I have a 240 with the same type of calipers. Here's what I do:

Rotate the old brake pad 90 degrees and reinsert it. Using a small pry bar (you want a farly large surface area) as a lever between the rotor and the old brake pad, push the pistons back in. Because the brake pad is flat, you don't have to worry about pushing the pistons in too far.

As George indicated, check the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir before you start and after you compress each set of pistons into the calipers so you don't get overflow.