you would only need to use the c-clamp if you were replacing the pads (to make a little more room for the larger pads)

tighten them till they are snug,,,,,and then just a little more (you want to be able to remove them in the future with out stripping them)

no gun needed for any of this

ft/lbs are how much you torque the nuts/bolts (you can buy a torque wrench at sears) (measures how tight something is)

 

yeah, blead the fluid thru by pressing the brake lever and loosening/tightening the bleeder valve

be sure the reservoir is full while you do this

 

thanks! can you explain a little more about using the c-clamp when I need to replace them?

 

but you should not need to bleed the brakes unless you opened the bleeder, or changed a line. Just changing the pads does not require any bleeding of the brake lines.
If you do bleed them find a rubber hose that fits tightly over the bleeder, put the other end into a bottle of new brake fluid. Have someone activate the brakes and hold them (or use the hand brake and lock it on). While the brake is held open the bleeder a little and let the air out. Fluid will ocme out, but if you had air you will see bubbles. Quickly close it and activate the brakes again. Continue this until you do not see any air bubbles, but remember to check the resevoir to ensure you do not run low (this will add air in the line). You may need to do this at all three brake locations.

 

Do you see where the caliper presses the pads? This cylinder needs to be pushed in when replacing with new pads. C-clamps work the best because you can open them around the entire cylinder and squeeze it together. Be careful not to press against the edge of the cylinder, clamp it in the middle. Going on the edge can dent it and make it scrape the walls which in turn will cause you to ruin the caliper.

 

thanks. I know changing pads dont require bleeding, but always good to know. I almost did it today but was too lazy. there is some softness in them.

thanks again.

 

You may be pleasantly surprised with a bleading if it hasnt been done in a while. It will ensure that you are getting even braking and it may firm them up a bit.

potentially big improvement for little effort

 

you may have to adjust the pad adjuster screw (large set screw on the back of the caliper on one side) if the pads are dragging really bad (can overheat brakes)