Quick brake question...
 

Hey guys... So, my brakes have been great to this point (its an 88 vert.) Up until today the car stopped on a dime and didnt make any wierd noises, so I never checked the pads. But today when I came to a stop on my way to work, I heard a terrible screetch. So, I pulled over and looked at the rear brakes. The outer pad is fat, looks fairly new, but the inner pads were missing? And this was on both rear tires... So, I am changin the pads. Luckily, I caught it before any damage was done to the rotor (they both feel fairly smooth to the touch.)

My only question is, when changing the pads, do you have to push in on the piston and spin it and the same time to push the piston all the way in (like how you would on a VW) or can I just use my little caliper tool to push it in? Thanks.

na ya gotta spin it cause of the self adjusting hand brake.

Rear single caliper brakes you have to rotate while pushing (could use the special tool or a needle nose pliers)....but remember to match up the groove to the original position.

For the four piston calipers....use a c-clamp and just push in.

Kewl... Thanks.. I guess its easy either way... Have you guys ever had pads fall out while driving? The inner pads are completely gone and I remember them being there a couple of weeks ago because I just rotated the tires...

I don't think thats supposed to happen, I have never heard of a pad falling out, do you have the clip springs in and stuff?

Were the pads actually missing or just worn down to nothing? In either case i would also say there is a problem with the caliper not clamping properly if your only wearing down one pad.

I have had one pop out once, but that was about 5 years ago, and since you are replacing the pads i would replace all the hardware, like the clips etc. and to second a earlier post you have to spin the piston.

If only the inner pad is wearing, your caliper slides are stuck. If only the outer pad is wearing, that means the inner pad is stuck against the caliper bracket.

Will check it out.. thanks for the input