Brake issue.. pads/rotors won't fit!!!!!

[cherry cola]

Ok, my pads are worn on a 99' Protege.

So after a trip to my local AutoZone I picked up some cheap ass pads for $12.99 (Valuecraft brand) and had a hard time putting them on with those weird brass pad clips, but eventually I got them on there. Well, I go to put the rotor between the pads and there is not enough room to put the rotor between the pads! And the hydraulic "plunger" is all the way recessed as I used a c-clamp to push it all the way back. What's really messed up about this is it seems as the whole caliper casting is too small to intergrate a set of brand new meaty pads. So I put it back together with my worn pads and assume that I got the wrong set of pads. Nope! We tried another brand, and it's the same width for both brands. So I'm screwed, I don't know what to do. There is no adjustability in the caliper to bring the pads back so I can fit the rotors in there. Physically I cannot fit the rotor in there with the new pads..

wtf?

[wingnut12]

Since I also need pads, I'm curious what the answer is. I was going to get pads and rotors, but haven't found a set I like yet.

Best of luck to you, and welcome to the forums.

[chuyler1]

Did you figure this out? I'm looking at doing pads soon.

[blynzoo]

can you take a pic? it is possible you have not seated the pads all the way in the caliper, or that the piston may not be all the way (I know you say it is, but there might be a bit left) in.

The only other option would be to go to a Mazda dealer and ask to see a set of their OEM pads. Bring the aftermarket replacements with you and compare. They should be happy to show you.

[njaremka]

...I picked up some cheap ass pads for $12.99 ...
I think that's your problem. I bought stock replacmenets, and they went right on.

[Natey]

Make sure all the clips and hardware are'nt bent and that you put 'em put back together properly. It makes a difference. :)

[dmitrik4]

and even when they're worn, it's a tight fit. when i swapped out my suspension i had to remove the rear calipers, and it was tough getting them back over the rotors even with 35,000 on the pads.

[Mustard97]

you doing front or rear brakes? if rear you can't use c clap to push em back, there is a small allen head socket in the back of the caliper to pull those back, as with general brakes, i'd go with stock mazda pads, i know they expansive as hell but they work lol

[dmitrik4]

i certainly wouldn't go cheap w/ brake parts, that's for sure. so far, i'm enjoying the Hawk pads i installed.

[proman]

just a thought but maybe the rotors you got were the wrong ones and are too thick?
since it's the front discs there's no need for the allen screw.