no ...
the metal part of the pad ?
they should just fit, with difficulty almost.
The idea is that they can slide toward the disc slightly under pressure from
the piston, ,
but ideally there is zero slop at the same time.
I lube that surface very, very sparingly with copper anti-seize compound.

if you just sanded on the metal part of the pad a little I doubt you removed
much material.
scott
www.turbovans.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "gary hradek" <hradek@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:32 PM
Subject: lucas brake pads in 87 westy

>I was please to find how easy it was to replace the pads.  I would suggest
>getting the spreader tool which is free at autozone and some high temp
>brake grease to hit the spots the pads will rub.  One question, is it
>normal to need to sand the edge of the pads so that they move freely?
> No way it would have worked otherwise.   Gary