On a 72 Cutlass with factory front disc brakes. Any special things to note or do if removing the calipers to replace the pads and grease the pins?

 

I use silicone grease on the pins and bushings where they pass through the rubber o-rings in the caliper ears. I use anti-seize on the threads of the pin. You don't need to grease up the middle of the pin where it doesn't rub on anything. I also smear some silicone grease on the ears of the caliper bracket where the caliper slides to preclude any squeaking.

 

If you don't have a big C-clamp or other tool to press the pistons into the calipers, you can do that before taking the calipers off. I use a large screwdriver as a pry tool to wedge between the rotor and the pad and push the piston into the caliper.

 

Is it POSSIBLE the pads have asbestos material in them?

I remember hearing they did at one point but not sure what year the did away with asbestos in brake pads.

 

I don't know the year either but unless those are factory installed pads I wouldn't think there is any asbestos in them. I worked at auto parts stores in the early 1980s and none of the aftermarket pads at that time had asbestos.

 

I would not worry about whether they are old enough to have asbestos in them as long as you don't breath the dust.

 

Online they claim between 1993-1997, asbestos brake pads were finally phased out.

 

So why are you asking about this? Is it a concern about your brake pads or just curiosity?

 

About to do brake job so I was just inquiring.

I read online you can wet down the caliper area before the pad change to help reduce the dust. They said you can use Simple Green and water and wet down the rotors and calipers before you take them apart.

 

I don't really remember there being much dust on the front disc brakes, unlike the rear drums that are usually dusty as could be. The front discs are open to the environment so the dust either drifts away or is washed off during rainstorms, car washings, etc.

If you're concerned, wear a mask while working on the brakes.