Hi--I have a couple of questions about the front calipers on my '73.

I got some rebuilt calipers and I believe the piston angle is slightly off--the retaining plates that go under the brake pads don't seat flush with the piston where it is notched (almost but not quite...). I was able to install everything but I'm wondering if this will be a problem? Can I rotate these pistons slightly? Only one out of the four seemed to line up correctly.

Also, when re-installing the caliper pins, there is a loose-fiting collar. Do I tap these in with a punch so that collar compresses and secures the pin?

I hope I'm making sense here...

Yes, you can rotate the piston. Tricky but doable. Yes, those collars hold the pins in place. BTW, those plates aren't retaining plates, they're a primitive anti-squeal device.

The Cap'n

Thanks. Do the anti-squeal plates actually work??

Also, when installing new brakes/discs is it normal to have a small amount of friction when rotating the disc?

There are four prongs that seat the positioning plates. They are simply a press fit. Chances are, one of those prongs has popped up in shipping. Press it back down and you should be good to go. Or - take them off all-together. They are not needed, they just come in the kit.

Those plates are positioning devices. The anit-squeal plates are on the back of the pads and only come in "some" early 911 pad kits now (65-68). Bottom line is... you're already positioned.

Both options are "MUCH" easier than attempting to rotating a piston without proper rotating pliers. You run the serious risk of damaging the piston and these are "very" fragile with a paper thin lip on one side. Most are damaged already.

Use a drift to tap the pins in flush.

Yes, there's normally some friction on the fronts. Bed the pads http://www.pmbperformance.com/page/page/1492423.htm and the fronts will be fine.

Thanks Eric--looking forward to trying out those Porterfields!

Kris

Well, excuuuuuuuuse me! All these years I've thought they were anti squeal plates, not positioning plates. I throw 'em away anyway, because most of them are chingered up. Accept my apologies for the error ...................

The Cap'n

Hah! You guys are great--thanks for the chuckle on this stressful day...

Some people go to the therapist, I go to 914world...