i just got my front brake pads replaced at monroe. i had them done before from them so they were under warranty. the right one was missing the clip and the pad was not clipped in. So it made a noise when driving and it would stop when i pressed the pad. Ok now i got fresh new ones installed noise went away, but now i see it looks like my pads are reversed?? Both sides are not even clipped in. The slot is on the right side and that little metal clip is on the left. You know what i mean. When i talked to the mechanic that installed the wheel bearing, he said these clip in. I remember the left front was clipped in, now both are not clipped in. The little piece on the brake is on the opposite side of the clip hanger? Before i left i asked them that and monroe said these slide in. Basically that metal silver clip on the pad is not clipped into the other piece.

 

the loop is on the other side of the pad return spring. i dont understand

 

The spring/clip is suppose to be underneath/behind that loop. Sounds like they have them on the incorrect sides. Make them fix it. That is what keeps the pad backed off of the rotor when you're brakes are released.

 

i know there so dumb now i have to call them tommorow and explain to the manager. he wasnt there. the other 2 said they just slide on, but i remember the mechanic from another place explaining they clip on and 1 clip was broken off thats why i got them replaced. how could they put the pads on the incorrect sides? is it ruining my brakes? the noise didnt even go away, you can like a whistle/tick sound when the car is just strolling. i was getting them fixed because of that issue probably with them not being clipped in. wow now i have to wait again

 

I was about to comment, but i realized your '04's front brakes are different that my '06's....so what I had to say prob doesn't apply to you

 

It takes a mere 10 minutes to remove and reinstall the pads. Including compressing the piston. Seriously. Fix this problem yourself and save yourself the headache.

 

dont have jack stands and not doing it myself if they screwed up. i cant believe both the gentlemen when i left i checked if the clips were in and they were on the opposite side of the loop. they said they just slide in. why are they so dumb?

 

they didnt even know what im talking about, i have to show them when i go back. there supposed to be clipped in.

 

You don't need jackstands, just a jack, and I wouldn't take it back because it doesn't sound like they know what they're doing. 10 minutes tops per side and you'll know it's done right.

 

Just jack up one side, take wheel off and upbolt the caliper. On my car it was a 21MM and 15mm socket IIRC. May be different on an 03/04 though.

I can have the pads off in 10 mins...not that hard really.


BTW, jackstands are $20 for a pair from sears. Everyone who does their own oil change should have a pair. I have 3 pairs myself.

 

why would someone do there own oil change if its like $20. why hassle in buying oil what you saving $5? I dont have a jack. my wheel shakes when i press on the brakes at higher speeds with steering wheel vibration. the pads are not on right. is that what is causing that?

 

The jack stands are $20, not the oil change. And the reason you do your own oil change is for about the same money it costs to have someone put dino oil in your car, you can put synthetic oil in and get twice the mileage out of it while running a higher quality oil.

 

Plus you know it's done right and get the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

 

word

 

you only need a 14, and you only need to take the caliper off.

leave the bracket installed. no need to compress the piston.