Originally posted by Winden:
I'm finishing my brake job this afternoon. I'm stuck on one of the fronts, because I can't get the caliper spring back on properly.
If those springs aren't re-installed properly, your pedal could go to the floor, nevermind just halfway.
Unfortunately, I have no advice on how to get those springs on properly. I searched the forums exhaustively.
I hope you have resolved this by now. If not, I'll pass on something that works for me. I have a tool made out of a screwdriver to work with the retaining clips. Using a medium sized screwdriver, I cut a notch in the tip. I used a triangle file to create a V shaped notch. Make the notch roughly 1/16" to 1/8" deep. This is actually a tool I had made for something else years ago and found that it is ideal for this too.
Using the notched screwdriver you can now control the retaining clip. To remove the clip, place the screwdriver with the handle pointing mainly up and the blade between the clip and the caliper with the clip in the notch, and pry the clip out of the caliper. You will only need to do this with one end of the clip, the other end will come out easily with the tension removed.
To install the clip, push one end into the retaining hole in the caliper, use the tool on the other end to stabilize the retainer and guide it into the other hole. The tool should be positioned about the same as when you removed the clip.
Many technicians have no trouble doing the same thing with a pair of pliers, but I find more control with the tool I made.
