Just installed new pads and rotors on 97 Blazer. I used a c clamp to push pistons in but new pads were so tight i had to tap the calipers down over rotors with a rubber mallet to get the bolts to fit. On test drize rotors got red hot and smoked. Did not occur again this morning but I am worried. Is it possible that the new "mid-grade" pads are a little too thick? I have never had so much trouble fiting the new pads over the rotor. How tight is too tight???

Check and make sure the pads are installed correctly (inner/outer).
Sounds like they are backwards.
Did you push the piston all the way in so it's flush?

Check and make sure the pads are installed correctly (inner/outer).
Sounds like they are backwards.
Did you push the piston all the way in so it's flush?


Thanks for the reply: I think I replaced the pads as they were -- i.e., the pad with the wear indicator (the longer one) on the inside. Would it work the other way??

The pad with the wear indicator faces the wheel, opposite side of rotor from the caliper.

Sometimes after you push the caliper piston in and while you are putting the pads on the piston will come back out just a little bit. I would bet that all you had to do was to repush the piston back in