I went to install new calipers on my '92 4Runner, and the driver's side caliper rubs against the inner side of the rotor. It looks like I need to install thin washers between the caliper and the knuckle. Is this a good idea? Does anyone know if there are specific caliper shims available for this? Should I just take the caliper back and exchange it for another one?

 

hmm is that maybe why my brakes have a hellatious squeal?

 

Shouldn't have to do that, something aint right. Aftermarket caliper or rotor not exactly to OEM spec is probably to blame.

 

Bracket on remanufactured caliper could be slightly bent. More likely that than the rotor.
Take it back.

 

I figured it was not right. I will take it back. Thanks for the input.

 

NEVER shim your brakes! If it's not bolting up like the factory, then you don't have the correct part or your doing something wrong. Is the caliper piston seated all the way? Is this the cause for the caliper hitting the rotor?

 

maybe the wheel bearings are SHOT (the inner one more so) and letting the hub assembely go too far in?




just throw'n out possibilities

 

I just installed new wheel bearings, ball joints, and rotors. The inner side of the rotor is rubbing on the bottom of the caliper. The pistons are all the way in and I can fit the pads in there. I am going to take the caliper back and get another one.

 

maybe they gave you the wrong caliper all together?

 

That is what I was thinking. The later model calipers are thicker, and rely on a thicker rotor as well. Perhaps they gave you the wrong caliper, or even the wrong rotor

 

I agree that it could have been the wrong caliper. The calipers they gave me came in different looking packages for the passenger's and driver's side. One of them had the pins and the anti-rattle spring, the other one did not. I returned the caliper today and the new one will be in tomorrow. Hopefully that one will work.

 

where are you getting it from? what manufacturer is it do you know?

 

I got it from Autozone. I do not remember the brand, but it was fairly cheap. That might be the problem. I exchanged it for another one and installed it today. It fits without rubbing, but it is close. Thanks for all of your input.

 

also how long ago did you do the wheel bearings? did you get the locking tab nice and tight? it is possible that the spindle nut backed off. I had a problem like this not too long ago because I did not bend the tab as far as I should have. Again just throwing it out there. Since you recently did the wheelbearings Im sure you know how easy it is to check that and probly sure you already have but if not thats always a possibility.

 

I just did the wheel bearings. It has not been on the road since they were changed. It is actually rubbing on the other end of the caliper, so if it was the wheel bearings then they would have to be too small or something. The bearings I installed were Koyo from Marlin Crawler, so I doubt they defective, but I guess it is a possibility. The new caliper I just put on does not rub, so I think it will be ok as long as it stays that way.