disc brake hardware for Toyota

[Donald]

I was replacing the rear brakes on my 94 Camry and there are these small inserts that fit into the guides in the caliper that the tabs of the pads fit into. On one pad I could just not get the pad in where it should go with the inserts in place. It was cold and I was under time constraints to get them installed. So I removed the 2 inserts and saved them for latter when I will get back to this. I assume these inserts are really for anti-rattle. I also found out that its possible to get the inside pad pushed so far in that its beyond the insert or guide and it cannot push towards the rotor. If this happens the piston will push on the center of the pad, bending it slightly and breaking off the material.

So what is the purpose of these PIA inserts...anti-rattle as I suspect?

 

[unDummy]

Post a picture!

 

[Tempest]

Both of my cars have stamped, stainless steel inserts that go between the pad and the mount. They probably are for anti-rattle, but I also suspect they are there to take the wear (ablative) of the pads moving, rather than the mount. This way, replacement shoes go into the same size space as the OEM ones did at the factory. Much cheaper to replace a couple metal clips than a large casting/forging. They are also smoother, so less clean up of the larger part is necessary at the factory.

 

[Donald]

[image]http://www.napaonline.com/masterpages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=UP&PartNumber=83050&Description=Brake+Caliper+Hardware+Kit+-+Rear[/image]

 

[chrome]

Those clips are important! The provide a smooth surface for the pad backing plate to slide on as the brakes are applied and the pads comes together the 1-2mm to grab the discs. If you don't have them, there is a risk of pad binding resulting in uneven wear.

 

[doitmyself]

I agree with Chrome. One possibility is that the caliper casting where those clips fit into have corroded enough to "expand" the fit. Take an old screwdriver or chisel and lightly hammer the area to clean out any debris that interfers with the fit of those clips. I coat those areas with a very light coating of brake specific lube to slow down that "rust blossoming". Consider new hardware as cheap insurance for a long, trouble free brake job.