I had my rear rotors and pads done at a shop with organic pads. I now have new organic pads for the front brakes and wonder if anyone has a secret on how to depress the caliper without removing it. The shop manual simply says to pull a couple pins, slide the old pads out, then slide the new ones in. The guy at the parts counter said to pry open the caliper to make room for the new (and thicker) pad. Makes sense, how can I safely do this.... and is this a do it your self job? I am sure it is, but I have learned to ask here BEFORE doing anything. Thanks in advance.

 

I just use a big screwdriver to lever the pistons in. Don't mangle the rubber dust seals, though.

Cracking open the bleeder makes it very easy, of course....just make sure to close it while you are still pushing the piston, not after you release. .....or you'll suck air back it.

Actually, if it hasn'r been done in the last two years, you might as well flush.bleed the brake fluid while you're getting dirty.

Cheers
DD

 

Doug,
You left out 1 important point,
It HAS to be a Jaguar approved screw driver...

 

I don't have a crystal ball either but I have a crystal Skull, and with speakers!

 

Perfect, thank you.

 

What if I do accidentally poke a hole in the dust seal? The pin that holds the rod in poked a little pin hole in the rubber as I was removing it.....

 

If I hadn't said anything it probably wouldn't have happened !

Not the end of the world. At some point you'll overhaul the calipers, or buy rebuilt ones, which means new dust seals. Of course keeping the innards of the caliper clean is important for longer life but there not much you can do about it now. Live with or remove the caliper and replace the seal....which comes in an overhaul package :-)

Of course the most responsible answer is "This is brakes....safety related. Don't dive until you replaced the dust seal".


Cheers
DD