Ford disc brake primer

[Banjo]

Ok, I admit I'm new to Ford calipers/front ends, finishing up my front end rehab/disc conversion on Otis the drunk 68 1/2 ton. From what I can tell, you push the short disc pad into the spaces of spindle as far as it goes and that's just it? If I do that, the rotor is rubbing the pad. Do I need to back off on spindle nut? I had torqued to 20 foot pounds to seat wheel bearings, and backed off till about 1/2 turn. do I need to back off spindle nut more until rotor doesn't touch pad when turning at rest (still have all up on jackstands, caliper not installed yet). Also, on anti-rattle clip, part of it pokes out at rear backside correct? sorry I have no dig camera, I know, I just suck! Banjo.

[fordman]

on most disc brakes the pad are clipped to the caliper in a way that wont let them rub on the disc until the brakes are applied.

[AlleyCat]

Sounds like you're putting it together right Banjo.It is normal for disc pads to drag slightly on the rotors.Adjust the wheel bearings the same as drum brakes then assemble the rest of it.Hope this helps.

[fmartin_gila1]

Sounds like you're putting it together right Banjo.It is normal for disc pads to drag slightly on the rotors.Adjust the wheel bearings the same as drum brakes then assemble the rest of it.Hope this helps.

Beg to differ with you on this. There is quite a difference in the way disks are to be adjusted vs drums.

Seat the bearings as you have done using 18 to 25 Ft. Lbs., back off 1/2 turn, adjust by tightening to 18 to 20 INCH Lbs. This will give the proper preload to the bearings and will not allow the rotor to wobble, which will cause you to have problems.
Fred

[AlleyCat]

Sounds like you're putting it together right Banjo.It is normal for disc pads to drag slightly on the rotors.Adjust the wheel bearings the same as drum brakes then assemble the rest of it.Hope this helps.

Beg to differ with you on this. There is quite a difference in the way disks are to be adjusted vs drums.

Seat the bearings as you have done using 18 to 25 Ft. Lbs., back off 1/2 turn, adjust by tightening to 18 to 20 INCH Lbs. This will give the proper preload to the bearings and will not allow the rotor to wobble, which will cause you to have problems.
Fred

Fred, I snug ALL tapered roller wheel bearings , back them off a 1/2 turn then set preload.Cars, trucks,trailers, steer, tag, drive, trailer axles.

The only exceptions are ball or barrel bearings which require different proceedures.

Clay

[Banjo]

Is there a conversion table anywhere for converting foot pounds to inch pounds? Reason I ask, my old Craftsman beam style torque wrench works fine, and I don't want to drop $35 on a new inch pounds torque wrench I'll rarely use.
Also, do you think car parts stores carry the odd washer that goes under the spindle nut, it's got 1 flat side and I've misplaced one. I thank you for all your help, Banjo.

[AlleyCat]

1 foot pound = 12 inch pounds As for the washer I doubt the parts stores would have it.I'd try a salvage yard.

[fordman]

the washer they might its worth a call to find out. if not you can temp make one but the junkyard would be an easy place to get one also. or your neighbors car might have a good washer or two on it.

[fmartin_gila1]

I apologize for trying to cause some consternation here, but hear me out on this. After setting preload on a drum or tag axle with no brakes, the nut is backed off to allow the cotter to be inserted, This is fine for that setup. After setting preload on a disk brake hub, the nut is not turned and the castle washer is rotated until the cotter can be inserted. This gives the proper preload to keep the rotor from vibrating and still allows max bearing life.
If you only have the castle NUT from the drum brake setup, you should go to any parts store and get a spindle nut set(includes the special washer, thin nut, and the special castle WASHER This will allow you to set the preload, then insert the cotter without turning the spindle nut, retaining the proper preload.

I hope I have made myself clear on this, I did not try to insinuate someone was not doing a proper job on this.
Fred