Changing front brake pads

[Yan]

Hi, took the old pads out and have a few questions before I proceed with installing the new ones.

1. The old outer (right hand side) brake pad (right one in the following picture) has this metal plate attached to it - what's this for? Do I need to take it off and attach to the new pad? The service manual doesn't mention anything about it.
2. Service manual tells me to use an appropriate tool for pushing the rotors back to give room for the new pads. What have you used for that purpose?

Thanks!

 

[Bossanova]

1. Take it off the old one and put it on the new one. Think it's there to help disapate heat.
2.Just use a big screw driver. Slide your old pad in there and use it to pry on. Be careful not to scratch anything or nick the dust boot.

 

[Kuntreeboy]

I took it off and put it on the new one, not sure if it needed it but figured it couldnt hurt!! I used my fingers and a screw driver I think? Cant really remember!!!

 

[TooFst]

It's a "shim". Helps with vibration and squeaks.

 

[Yan]

Thanks everyone!

TooFst - so this 'shim' is supposed to be on just one side (outer one)? Or the PO lost the other one? Thanks!

 

[danair]

Use the old pads to push the piston back in, not the new ones. Make sure you haven't topped off the reservoir to compensate for old pad wear or its going to overflow when you push the pistons in.