GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Ok, so I was replacing my brake pads, but now I can't get the dang caliper back on. I tried with a different brand of pads, machined the rotor, tried using a new caliper...nothing. YES, I HAVE compressed the piston, it is flush with the caliper body. I'm at a loss, it fits at the top bolt but the bottom side will not go on at all. Brand new caliper has same issue. Anyone ever run into this? BTW, it's an '05 Vibe, Base Engine, FWDThanks

Never heard of it before but some things to check:-are the slid pins moving freely back and forth?-will the caliper go back on over the old pads?-same problem with the passenger side caliper?-double check the part #'s on the new pads to make sure they're right.If nothing else works, just make sure that the rotor is seated as far as it can agains the hub, and that the new pads are flat against the rotor.

Yeah, I can't get the caliper on to install the pins. I have not tries with the old pads, though that would be kinda moot since the inside pad is completely gone. It just barely doesn't fit with the new pads. They are from the same box as the pads on the driver side, which went on with no problems.....it's just weird. I think I may have the local mechanic see if he can make a house call...(can't drive to him with no wheel...). I've even tried using a c clamp to hold the pad together on the rotor tightly while attempting to slide on the caliper...bupkiss...On a side note, it's cool to have found a Vibe forum. I love my little go wagon....

Wrong size pads get into the set? Maybe somebody returned them, factory goofed, anything... Can you remove the ones you installed already and compare?

That's the truly baffling part, I even got another box of pads, different brand...same problem....

What about the slide pins? They're not the bolts that hold the caliper in. The pins go into the caliper support bracket, the piece thats attached to the hub. They have a rubber boot over them and should have an inch or two of freeplay. If they're seized or don't slide well, they need to be re-greased.Also check to see if there is any rust buildup between the rotor and hub, everything will be thrown off if hte rotor doesn't sit down flat.

There's an idea...I'll head out there with a steel brush and some brake cleaner. Give it the ol' what for.

Ok....still no dice, this is the oddest thing. I just can't slide the caliper over the pads at all. Does anyone think it's a bad idea to put one new pad and one old pad in for a couple hundred miles, until the new pad wears down a mm or two, then replace the old pad with a new one?

Just hit the new pads with some sandpaper and shave off a bit. Lay a piece flat on a table and sand the pads against it. I know racers do that when their pads get glazed over from overheating the brakes. I would try a finer grit first, and if it is taking a bit long, try the next grit down and finish up with some fine.

Does your rotor have a rusted edge like this? Either way, you may want to take the rotor to a brake shop and have it machined.

In his OP he said the rotor(s) was/were machined.Could it be, and this is just a guess, that the master cylinder is causing the caliper not to completely collapse? That the piston in it is not returning to full off? Or that the brake hose has a kink or clog in it... same result??

Did you unbolt the caliper bracket? Is it installed on the correct side of the plate?