Front pads

[Newbie57]

Changing out the front pads and discs. The old pads were very stiff in the carrier. New pads are difficult to get in and are also very stiff to move. The wear plate was cleaned and the pad eats grease. The inside pad is very difficult. Pads are Drivetech.

Are they always this stiff?

[Carolyn]

This is how I do it:

Take the pads out, take note of how the spring clips are positioned, then take them out.

Take a square file and file away any rust build-up in the slots that take the pad ends. Clean the spring clips.  They are stainless and even really tired looking ones tend to clean up well.

Replace the spring clips, making sure they are fully seated in the slots.  Put a tiny smear of copper ease on the sides of the 'ears' on the pads, taking care not to get it on the braking surface.

Put the pads back in.  They should now slide in easily.  If still too tight, take a little metal off the ends of the ears of the pads with your file.

[onion86]

If still too tight, take a little metal off the ends of the ears of the pads with your file.

Further to this, some pads also come with quite thick paint on, so might be just paint in need of sanding/filing so that they aren't so tight. I've had to do that with EBCs and Pagids.

[shnazzle]

Take a square file and file away any rust build-up in the slots that take the pad ends.

Not that it needs it but this part of Carolyn's post has been very applicable to me almost every time. Grime, rust, etc builds up quickly and easily in those slots behind the clips and makes it impossible for pads to seat back in.
Get it nice and clean and smooth.

[Newbie57]

All done thanks. Well one side😀