Front brake caliper springs – Easy removal and refit

RPSN

New member
There are numerous posts online explaining how difficult it is to remove and refit the front brake caliper springs so I thought I’d post the technique I use which makes it easy.

My car has the Jaguar High Performance Braking System (380mm front brake discs / 325mm rear brake discs with red calipers).

To remove the spring I use a small thick piece of leather from an old work shoe and insert it into the gap at the centre of the spring. Then insert a large flat-blade screwdriver into the leather (to prevent damage to the caliper red paint) and lever the spring up then out so that the two short legs pop out from the caliper metal shims.

To refit the spring, fit the long upper leg into place, push the face of the spring (Jaguar logo on it) into position and fit the long lower leg into place. The two short legs on the spring should then be directly opposite the caliper metal shims. Fold the small thick piece of leather onto a large flat-blade screwdriver and insert it into the gap at the centre of the spring. Use one hand to hold the face of the spring in (to prevent it from popping off) and the other hand to lever the spring up above the shims, then push it in until the two short legs fit into place in the caliper. After doing so, remove the piece of leather and push the face of the spring in by hand to ensure it is fully seated.

Here's my step-by-step pics...
 

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I was aware of the potential difficulty with these clips. Your detailed explanation is very welcome.
 
Long while since I've done mine, bur whats nice with those larger brakes is there are 2 locating pins so you can work from the centre, with the smaller brakes there is a singe locating pin in the centre which means you lever offset which can cause the spring to want to go assymetric as you lever it in.

But conceptually should help with the smaller brake also.
 
Good to know the technique I use should also help with the smaller brakes (355mm front discs) 👍

It works a treat on my car!
 
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