2015 IRS 13" Brakes - metal clips

[skijunky]

Hello everyone,

I have started a Mark V build (I need to get the build thread started) and I have a question regarding the instructions for the IRS 13" brakes. The first step it says "Install one of the metal clips...." I did not get any clips with my Mark V kit and I am wondering if this is a case that the clips are no longer needed. I ask because the documentation doesn't always match the kit for the Mark V.

Tony

[65 Cobra Dude]

Tony,

You do need the clips. They’re usually packed with the brake pads.

Henry

[ThickCobra]

This question is very timely for me. I have the 2015 Mustang IRS 11.6 inch rear brakes. I am ready to throw the brakes out the proverbial window. I spent hours trying to get the clips to stay in place while adding the break pads. I have tried everything and still cannot get the eclipse to stay in. And yes, I followed the instructions, including trimming the sides of the clips, so they will not fall out.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[rich grsc]

Put them in the round file

[ThickCobra]

Thanks. I know they may rattle, but who’s going hear it over the engine! And, I can’t waste any more time on them.

[PMD24]

They are the worst I've ever dealt with. I had some success with small c-clamps. See my build thread, posts 65 and 70.

Pat

[Grubester]

(should have metal clips...)
I had 3 problems with the Mk4 11.65" disc brakes.
1) most of the pads did not fit into the caliper castings and I had to grind the ends of the steel portion (carefully) of the pads (see pic);
2) the clips needed some trimming at the corners (use tin snips) to fit in smoothly. But deburr the clips after the crude cuts are made with tin snips (no pic);
3) the clips are difficult to manage during the insertion of the pads (keep falling out). I used strips of duct tape to hold them - and the tape was easy to remove once the pads were in place (see pic);
214778214777

[OB6]

Barring wheel size constraints, I'm not sure why anyone with IRS wouldn't just use the factory 2015+ rear brakes and call it a day. Direct bolt-on and a great parking brake.

[ThickCobra]

(should have metal clips...)
I had 3 problems with the Mk4 11.65" disc brakes.
1) most of the pads did not fit into the caliper castings and I had to grind the ends of the steel portion (carefully) of the pads (see pic);
2) the clips needed some trimming at the corners (use tin snips) to fit in smoothly. But deburr the clips after the crude cuts are made with tin snips (no pic);
3) the clips are difficult to manage during the insertion of the pads (keep falling out). I used strips of duct tape to hold them - and the tape was easy to remove once the pads were in place (see pic);
214778214777

I had all of those same problems as you. And, I’d find myself spending hours trying to get them to stay together and at the end, nothing was accomplished. Why would they send us pads that don’t fit within the caliper? I am way beyond frustrated.

I solved my issue by employing the round circular file.

[Grubester]

I think this is one of those examples of applying one's best 'mechanical sense' to what some people might think is simply an assembly task.
This is my first build, but I have a lot of engineering and fabrication experience, as well as gearhead experience going back to the mid-sixties. These builds should be a patient walk through a sometimes-challenging build process. I told the thirteen-year-old who is helping me, that we're not going to rush through to the end. He heard from the beginning that we will disassemble our work many times, because we didn't get it quite right or because we discovered something in the design that wasn't know initially. Breath, enjoy the process of building your own super-car!

[Blitzboy54]

I think this is one of those examples of applying one's best 'mechanical sense' to what some people might think is simply an assembly task.
This is my first build, but I have a lot of engineering and fabrication experience, as well as gearhead experience going back to the mid-sixties. These builds should be a patient walk through a sometimes-challenging build process. I told the thirteen-year-old who is helping me, that we're not going to rush through to the end. He heard from the beginning that we will disassemble our work many times, because we didn't get it quite right or because we discovered something in the design that wasn't know initially. Breath, enjoy the process of building your own super-car!

I getting this made into a banner.

[JsMoose]

I think this is one of those examples of applying one's best 'mechanical sense' to what some people might think is simply an assembly task.
This is my first build, but I have a lot of engineering and fabrication experience, as well as gearhead experience going back to the mid-sixties. These builds should be a patient walk through a sometimes-challenging build process. I told the thirteen-year-old who is helping me, that we're not going to rush through to the end. He heard from the beginning that we will disassemble our work many times, because we didn't get it quite right or because we discovered something in the design that wasn't know initially. Breath, enjoy the process of building your own super-car!

That's spot on! I just ordered my kit to build with my boys and have told them the same things. The philosophy has already come in handy while building the engine in our garage. Definitely easier said than done at times, but good guiding principles. --Jay

[rponfick]

I just went through the same process on my MK5. The clips came with the front brakes, but not the rear. I put them on my "not received" list and was told they have been out of stock forever. They didn't comment as to if they were really needed or not, as I had asked. I ordered some online that another poster had recommended, and when they came, they were not to proper ones.
Since I have installed the rear brakes and fought with the metal locking bolts, I am calling it good.
Not sure if the comments to circular file them are good, but that is what I am doing. It may be inaccurate to say circular file because I have nothing to put in the circular file. In looking at the pads and spring on them, I am not sure what the clips can possibly accomplish.
Ralph

[gbranham]

Those clips are what precipitated going from this:

214880 To This: 214879

[rponfick]

Those clips are what precipitated going from this:

214880 To This: 214879
Wow, that is a great justification. I think I will try it on my wife.
Ralph