There is nothing more upsetting than trying to change your brake pads, only to realize they do not fit correctly. While this may seem like an overwhelming ordeal, it’s generally a relatively simple fix. If you’re struggling with ‘thick’ brake pads and need some answers, you have come to the right place.
Can brake pads be too thick? For the most part, no, brake pads from a manufacturer specifically designed for your car will not be too thick. If your brake pad seems to be too thick, the actual issue is that the caliper is not entirely pushed in or needs to be cleaned. You may also have to grind down extra paint on brake pad ears to get them to fit.
Struggling with brake pads that won’t fit can be a struggle, but it doesn’t mean you are out of luck. This article will discuss why your brake pads should fit and what you can do to fix it if they do not fit.
Can Brake Pads Be Too Thick?
The good news is that if you buy brake pads from a reputable manufacturer that are specially designed for your vehicle, they will never be too thick. This is because these brake pads were constructed to fit your exact car’s make and model, and you should not have to worry about anything standing in the way of a perfect fit.
Of course, this all changes if you’re trying to save a few bucks or can’t find the model because you are dealing with an older car. Off-brand products or those not specially constructed for your make and model may not fit properly. If this is the case, you may have to return the product and go on a hunt for the correct brake pads.
But what if you have double-checked the brake pads, assured they are specifically created for your car, and you are still having trouble? Well, brake pads not fitting can be caused by a problem that can be fixed within your vehicle, but the actual brake pads do not cause it.
Reasons Your Brake Pads Are ‘Too Thick’
There are a few different reasons why your brake pads might appear to be too thick for your car. We are going to discuss these various reasons and how you can solve them in your garage. Remember, though, if you continue to struggle with installing your brake pads, you might consider taking your car and products into the shop.
The Caliper Pistons Are Not Pushed in All the Way
One of the biggest problems that cause brake pads to be ‘too thick’ is that the caliper pistons are not pushed in all the way. This can happen because caliper pistons are sometimes not the easiest things to push in and may require a little extra elbow grease to cooperate.
Many mechanics will use a C clamp to push in caliper pistons. C clamps offer the best results when it comes to dealing with pushing in caliper pistons. But what happens if you don’t own a C clamp?
This video, “Four Ways to Collapse a Caliper Piston,” is a great instructional video for pushing in caliper pistons in a variety of ways. You are sure to find a way that suits your specific needs and allows you to push in your caliper pistons efficiently, even if you do not have a C clamp.
Once you have successfully pushed in the caliper piston all of the way, then you should no longer have an issue with placing your brake pads correctly.
The Caliper Pistons Are Dirty
Sometimes people struggle heavily with pushing their caliper pistons in, or they might think it’s fully pushed in when it’s not. This is because the caliper pistons can quickly become covered in grime and dirt and other buildup material that halts the caliper piston from being successfully pushed in.
Take a good look at the caliper and caliper pistons. Do they look like they are in tip-top shape? If you notice heavy grime, then it might be time to clean it. Not only will cleaning your caliper piston ensure it will allow for your brake pads to fit, but it will ensure that your brakes are in good working order.
To clean the calipers, “The Best Way to Clean Brake Calipers” by Chris Nickson, reviewed by H.R. Helm suggests removing the calipers and scrubbing the caliper and pistons with a bit of brake fluid and a scrub pad. For smaller areas where grime is built up, you can use a toothbrush with brake fluid.
Once you have thoroughly cleaned off your caliper and caliper piston, you may want to add some grease to make sure it’s a smooth fit for your brake pads. This will help them to slide in far more easily.
Ground Down Brake Pad Ears
This should be done as a last result and should only be done if you know exactly what you are doing. After all, when it comes to your brakes, you do not want to take any risks. However, sometimes the best thing you can do is to grind the brake pad ears ever so slightly. You still want to make sure that there is enough roughness remaining on the brake pad so it can do its job correctly.
Of course, if you end up taking too much off the brake pad, it can lead to problems. But that is why you should never grind down any other part of your car, such as the caliper or caliper pistons, as these aren’t as easy to replace as your replacement brake pads.
To grind down the brake pads, you will need a sander. Sand down the front side of the brake pad slowly until it can fit in your vehicle. You must be very careful to ensure you don’t grind down too much or you may end up ruining your brake pads altogether.
This instructional YouTube video shows the right way to grind down your brake pads for proper use. Remember: this should only be done if you know what you are doing, and you perform this task at your own risk.
Seek a Mechanic’s Help
If you have tried cleaning off your caliper and caliper pistons and still don’t see any improvements in making your brake pads fit, then you might need to seek the help of a professional mechanic. In some instances, brake fluid may need to be released a bit to have enough room for brake pads, but this can cause problems if you’re not careful.
Any time you are unsure about fitting your brake pads, have a professional take a look at it. They will know how to ensure that your brake pads are being installed correctly, and you can feel confident in your brakes. It may cost a little bit more than doing it on your own, but it is worth it for your safety.
There could be many small, technical issues that are preventing your brake pads from fitting correctly. A mechanic may be able to fix the problem, or you may have to purchase new brake pads altogether.
Conclusion
Brake pads that seem to be too thick for your car can be frustrating, but that doesn’t mean they won’t fit. As long as you purchased the proper brake pads from a reputable manufacturer, you should be able to solve the problem by making sure the caliper piston is pushed in entirely or cleaning the calipers. Greasing the area may also have successful results. In the end, your last resort is to grind the ears of your brake pads or seek professional help.
