Brake Job

[doctorhrdware]

I am working on a 97 GP SE with I think like 157k odd miles.

1)I have never run it to this ever before. I was replacing the rear rotors along with the caliper bracket. The rotor thickness(where the pads touch the rotor) will not let me tighten the bracket to the proper spec. If I do the replacement rotor will not spin, even with the wheel on. I am not able to turn it with the wheel on. Has any one ever had a problem like this.

On to problem 2.
2) what is the easiest way to remove the track bar from where it connects to, I guess it is the u-channel. There is not much room between the tire pan and the bolt head. I already was able to get the screw and bolt from the mount on the where the caliper bracket attach's to(do not know what the part is called). That bolt came off real easy. Did not have to use PB Blaster on that one.

[richtazz]

what brand rear brake parts (including the bracket if you purchased new ones) did you by and what were the part numbers (to be sure you got the right stuff)?

[doctorhrdware]

I actually went to Autozone and that is I used last time. The numbers from the old rotors are the same. The caliper bracket was the orginal GM part and those numbers are the same. That was the first thing that I thought too. But since the numbers match so I think that the rotor is the problem. There suggestion was to cut the rotor down so it will fit. I told the parts monkey that is unacceptable since it is a new rotor. New rotors should not have to be cut down to fit. I am going to maybe to Nappa or even Advanced which has Wagner and Wearever. So hopefully going to Nappa or Advance will cure my problem. If not then I will have to either cut down the new rotors, or maybe order the rotors online. Any suggestion of where to order the rotors from? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[tblake]

I have raybestos brand on my car on all 4 corners and they fit just fine. Last set I had was the premium ones that advance carries. They also fit fine. You are right that there is no reason you should have to turn new rotors to shave them down to fit. That would be pointless.

[richtazz]

There is not enough material on the rear rotors on these cars to cut them down to fit...what an ultra-moron! Maybe the ones you bought were just cut wrong or mis-boxed?

[doctorhrdware]

Well I exchanged the rotors and it appears that the Cardone caliper bracket is the issue. The bracket when tightened the front part of the bracket where the pads ride on the bracket hit the rotor so you can't turn the rotor. I don't know how I missed that one. But I did. The width of the bracket is not correct. I am looking for my micrometer to measure the brackets and see where the problem lyes. I am thinking it might be the mounting area for the bracket that has been trimmed down to much. I am going to try a washer and see if that helps. If that does I am going to return them, and try Nappa and if theirs have that same problem I guess I will have to hit the

[inafogg]

just a thought......check E brake cable might be hanging up causing it to apply
e-brake. disconnect cable to see if that helps.
Good Luck

[richtazz]

For reference, the Cardone caliper bracket number for the rear of your car is 14-1135, just in case the parts monkey looked up the wrong part number.

[doctorhrdware]

Originally Posted by richtazz

For reference, the Cardone caliper bracket number for the rear of your car is 14-1135, just in case the parts monkey looked up the wrong part number.

Yes Rich that is the same number as what I got. The numbers that were stamped into the brackets are the same on the old one and the new one. I ended up getting grade 8 washers and had to use 3 washers to center the caliper bracket. So at least the rotor spins easily with no pads install. With the new pads install it has resistance, which is to be expected. So I am going back out to do the drivers side now. I am hoping that I do not run into any more problems. Cars are just like computers a real pain .

[tblake]

I am not sure its a good idea to run the washers in there.....

I would return the brackets if they do not fit right.

[doctorhrdware]

Well guess what, the other bracket is screwed up too, I will never ever buy any CARDONE CRAP again. The bracket that I installed on the drivers side rear, is causing the wheel not to turn. The bracket mounting holes have been drilled off center, and when you tighten the bracket screws it hits the top of the rotor. I will be calling the dealership and get the caliper bracket from then. That way I know they will fit right. The price that the parts department was Like $65.50 each.

I have never had a brake job ever take this long. I started at 10:00AM and stopped at like 6:45PM. This has been a real pain in my ass. Time to send a nasty email off to Cardone.

[tblake]

that is crazy

[rkvons]

Originally Posted by doctorhrdware

I was replacing the rear rotors along with the caliper bracket.

Why are you changing the caliper bracket?

[doctorhrdware]

Because the caliper slide pin rusted off inside the caliper bracket, I was not able to remove what was left in the caliper bracket.

I got a response from Cardone, they are trying to tell me that I got the wrong part from Autozone. Even after I told them that all the numbers even the ones that are stamped in the bracket were the same. So I am now going to take pictures and send a respond back and include the pictures that I am going to take.

[doctorhrdware]

Well I sent a reply back to cardone along with pictures. I also order the caliper bracket from the dealership. They will be here tomorrow. So I will finally get the rear brakes. Then I will try to remove the track bars on both sides, and install them. Then replace the broken trailing arm on the drivers side. I got pbbuster.

But when I was at the Harley Davidson shop the have freeze spray that is for getting rusted bolts off of screws. Does anyone know how well it works. Also is it worth the price?