I just replaced the rear brake pads on my 2014 T&C. After installing into the caliper bracket the new clips that came with the pads, it was just about impossible to get the pads in there. I got one, but after looking at some YouTube videos, it was clear I needed to remove the bracket and put the pads in with the bracket off the car. That was much easier, but still tricky because the brackets have curlicue things with stays, and everything has to be lined up just so or else the spring-action tabs on the bracket would go up into the pad between metal and the wear surface. Much different and more difficult than with other cars I've worked on.
The rear bracket was pretty easy to get off and put back on. It's torqued to 74 ft-lbs. But now I'm thinking about the front pads. The front caliper brackets are torqued to 124 ft-lbs (or within one or two of that). That's more difficult. And still, even with the bracket off, it's a pain to get the pads in there.
So, my question is, do I have to put up with these funky brackets which are difficult to use? They're way different than a simple channel for the pad to set in. Would different pads have different, easier hardware? I used the Evolution Plus ones. Or could I buy separate brackets? Or do I just have to grin and bear it?
(Only one YouTube video shows a guy installing the pads with the bracket on the car. He makes it look easy, like a magician. Probably the result of years of experience that a backyard mechanic like me doesn't have. It takes me 4 times as long to do a job like this when it's the first time, but I'm saving money and making sure it's done right!)
The rear bracket was pretty easy to get off and put back on. It's torqued to 74 ft-lbs. But now I'm thinking about the front pads. The front caliper brackets are torqued to 124 ft-lbs (or within one or two of that). That's more difficult. And still, even with the bracket off, it's a pain to get the pads in there.
So, my question is, do I have to put up with these funky brackets which are difficult to use? They're way different than a simple channel for the pad to set in. Would different pads have different, easier hardware? I used the Evolution Plus ones. Or could I buy separate brackets? Or do I just have to grin and bear it?
(Only one YouTube video shows a guy installing the pads with the bracket on the car. He makes it look easy, like a magician. Probably the result of years of experience that a backyard mechanic like me doesn't have. It takes me 4 times as long to do a job like this when it's the first time, but I'm saving money and making sure it's done right!)
