CDNicecube wrote:Thank you, that link was very helpful. I can confirm that once the caliber and pads are off, the rear disks are loose and come off relatively easily. It turned out I did not need the rear disk as they are still fine.
Now 3 questions if I may. The OEM pads had two shims, an inner shim and an outer shim cover (ref. link above, page BR39, parts 3, 4 and 9. The Akebono Proact have only one shim that we can take off and smear anti-squeal grease in between it and the actual pad.
The OEM shim and cover do not fit well on the Akebono pads (the Akebono have a little metallic "bump" on their back plate and the EOM shims do not fit on the pads flat because of this). Am I ok with only using the (one) shim that came with the Akebono pads? Should I discartthe OEM shims?
Second question if I may: the top slider bolt has a rubber end cap (on the actual bolt). Not sure why but I can't reinsert the bolt when the rubber cap is on it (I clean them well and reapplied grease). The other side bolt went it easily even with its rubber end cap. So right now I have the driver side without the rubber cap. Is there a trick to reinsert the slider bolt with its rubber cap?
Third: the bolts themselves seem to have some usage marks. How often do you guys changes your slider bolts? Why?
Thanks and sorry to have hijacked this tread.
1. I bet you're already done with the brake job, but if the Akebonos came with only one shim, I would think it's fine. I wouldn't try to force on any of the extra OEM shim pieces if they don't fit. On some aftermarket brake pads the shims are not removable, but are 'permanently' attached to the pad's metal backing. So each company that makes brake pads does things their own way.
2. I'm not sure why you can't get the top slider bolt in, as it should go in rather easily. There is a purpose for the end cap on the slider bolt, but I forgot what it's intended for.
3. I haven't changed out slider bolts before. I think if the inner and outer pads show a significant difference in wear, or if you caliper starts to drag, then those would probably be good reasons to replace the bolts.
But if your slider pins are showing signs of wear and you're also having the issue with re-inserting the top one with the cap, I don't think it would hurt to install a new set. They shouldn't really cost all that much.
These are just my opinions and I'm speaking from my own experience. Maybe you can get one of the techs here on Nicoclub to give you a more definitive response.