Factory Install of Cotter Pins in Brake Pad Pins

[Allen N.]

I am installing my brake calipers and brake pads. I have searched for pictures and/or instructions of how the cotter pins were bent when installed in the brake pad pins at the factory and have not found a definitive answer. Does anyone have a picture or instructions of the factory installation of the cotter pins in the brake pad pins?

Thanks,
Allen

[Paul O.]

Re: Factory Install of Cotter Pins in Brake Pad Pins

Allan

You will not find that as the calipers were assembled at the Delco plant not St. Louis. Loaded with the brake pads installed. In general even though the assembly manual instructions for bend cotter keys a certain standard way. In practice it was not adhered to.

From what I have seen over the years is that:

1. The retaining pin was installed with the head of the pin to the outward side of the assembly toward the rim.

2. The cotter key hole to the center line of the frame. The cotter key had the longer tail only bent about 45 deg.

Could both tails have been bent yes not every employee did it the same. But most did it the quickies way to complete the task and pass inspection.

[Duke W.]

Re: Factory Install of Cotter Pins in Brake Pad Pins

Interesting. I recently helped a neighbor install rebuilt calipers on the front of his '77. I installed the retaining pins with the cotter pins on the outboard side, simply because it was easier to dress them in that position.

The front of the AIM includes instructions on how to dress cotter pins, and there may be more than one way.

Duke

[Paul O.]

Re: Factory Install of Cotter Pins in Brake Pad Pins

Here is an assembly line photo look at the left front caliper.

[Paul O.]

Re: Factory Install of Cotter Pins in Brake Pad Pins

If I recall correctly the pin can not be removed with the wheel installed. This could be done for safety. Also here is a blowup of the front brake it a little blurry but should help.

[Allen N.]

Re: Factory Install of Cotter Pins in Brake Pad Pins

Thank you Paul and Duke.

[David H.]

Re: Factory Install of Cotter Pins in Brake Pad Pins



Calipers were installed on upside-down line. Photos from 1981.

[Allen N.]

Re: Factory Install of Cotter Pins in Brake Pad Pins

Thanks for the pictures David.