very good advise on breaking in the pads properly.

good advise on the anti-seize  too.
I use a tiny bit of copper anti-seize compound on the edge of the
pads...where they slide in the caliper.
' Barely any.'

I just use a large lever on the old pads to push the pistons back.
Pry against the edge of the rotor ...doesn't do any damage.
Best to push pistons back bleed screw open and hose running to jar to
collect the old yucky fluid
rather than push it back up into the system.

glad you mentioned the break-in the pads factor.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Hanson" <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, March 20, 2010 2:14 PM
Subject: Re: Replacing front brake pads

> You likely need to push pistons in calipers "out" so new pads will
>> fit. Maybe your FLAPS has a tool for this?
>>
>>   Don't let anyone step on your brake pedal when the pads are out or when
> the disc is not between the pads in the calipers.  Replace the pads before
> you do any bleeding or topping up of the brake res.  When you put in the
> new
> pads (thicker) you will be pushing your brake caliper pistons further
> in..forcing the level of the brake reservoir to rise..
>
>  I found a nice stick is good for forcing back the new pad and pistons.  I
> used a piece of oak scrap about 10" long, 3/4" wide and about 3/8" thick.
> The wood won't mar your brake pad compound or the caliper..wherever you
> can
> get leverage to push the pistons and pads back.  I like to carefully use
> some VHT anti-seize where the pads fit into their retainers to make sure
> they are truly 'floating' around and don't get hung up off center or
> something.  Don't get any on the friction material or the rotors.
>
>  You should 'bed-in' new pads and rotors according to instructions.
> Usually some easy stops, gradually increasing in intensity of brake
> force..
> You want to avoid descending a huge pass or racing your Vanagon on the
> racecourse until you have some moderate braking allowing the pads to seat
> and the rotors to season it's surface.
>  Don Hanson