Brake pad install problem

[Phillip Cross]

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???

[mtrotter70]

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?

[Phillip Cross]

Originally Posted by mtrotter70

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??

[Mikado14]

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

[Fireplug]

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