AboutRoland Finston Expertise I take questions about domestic Chrysler-product front wheel drive cars and minivans for the years 1982-2000 based upon my experience and shop manuals. I don't have detailed information (e.g. manuals) nor expertise for Jeeps, trucks, SUV's, import vehicles, or for years more recent than 2000.
I am available to take a question between 8AM CST and 9PM CST . If I am shown as "maxed out" try again later in the day as I add question opportunities one at a time so as to respond quickly, but I do have other responsibilities as well so may not be available for several hours at times. Try at 7PM CST as I will always be available for one question then.
There are answers to hundreds of Chrysler questions at your finger tips: click on "view past answers", one of which may be to your question as well; or put a few key words in the "search for" box, above.
Experience I have been a do-it-yourself auto hobbyist for 5 decades, and most recently have been concentrating on the various Chrysler Corporation domestic front wheel drive cars and vans. I have shop manuals and wiring diagrams for many models for the years '83-'00, as well as rear wheel drive cars for the early 80's. I enjoy analyzing problems that other Chrysler enthusiasts are having and sharing my information. <BR><BR><B>Organizations belong to</b><BR>Group co-moderator of the Yahoo autos group The Chrysler LeBaron Club<BR>
Expert: Roland Finston Date: 5/5/2008 Subject: 1988 lebaron convertible front brakes: pad removal
Question QUESTION: I can't seem to be able to remove the front disc pad from the rotor assembly.
Back pad comes out easily but I can't get front past the the guide bracket (or
what ever it's called).
ANSWER: Hi David,
You have to remove the caliper entirely to get the pads off. Remove the single or double pin (depending upon type), then lever the caliper off of the assembly by inserting a screwdriver between it and the fixed guide. Support the caliper so it doesn't damage the hose.
On the single pin type, the shoes will remain on the assembly for eash removal. Note the location of the spring silencers (do one side of the car at a time so you can reference the other for locations of silencers). On the two pin type, the pads will come off attached to the caliper. Then you pry the pads out of the caliper, the outboard by prying the pad out of the caliper housing proper, the inboard by prying the pad out of the caliper piston. Before reinstalling lighty grease the guide way(s). Let me know if you need to see the manual pages which I could xerox copy and postal mail to you. Tell me if you have the single or double pin type. Use the "thank and rate" tab to give me a postal mailing address.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Roland,
Thanks for getting back to me so fast. I have the caliper off (only one, since i
knew I wouldn't remember exactly how those clips went back). The caliper
was held together with two pins, but the adapter part slides on one shaft. I
got the inside disc off fairly easily, but the outside pad won't seem to clear
the moving adapter (I think that is the right term). The pad has a notched
area that slides on the caliper housing but it won't get past the sliding
adapter. Seems to miss doing so by about a 1/16 of inch or so. Anything I'm
missing here? (fax number here is 860-245-3218
Thanks so much,
Dave
Answer Hi Dave,
My experience is with the single pin type, but the figure in the manual for the two pin type shows that putting a screwdriver laterally (side to side) through the outboard side semi-circular opening so the tip is placed between the edge of the pad and the caliper body, then either twisting the screwdriver or levering it (not sure which) there should be sufficient tension created between the pad and the caliper to release it. Unfortunately I don't have a scanner so I can't fax the drawing, but I think that my description may suffice. There is nothing further shown/stated in the manual.
Roland
