I just finished installing new rear pads, and when I did the 2nd set I realized that the back of the pad has a little bump/nipple/tab/whatever you wanna call it that seems to want to fall into one of the channels on the caliper piston.

My question is...

I didn't pay any attention if this bump/tab was aligned with one of the channels on the piston with the first side I did (I made sure things lined up the 2nd time around). Will the piston rotate and seat automatically, or should I take it apart and check it?

 

The caliper piston will not rotate and align itself on it's own. If it's not properly indexed, it will cock the inner pad and cause it to wear unevenly.

 

^Alrighty, sounds like I'm pulling it apart and checking!

 

Dude, their is a little tool that is a cube with different nubs on each face that is designed to be installed on a 3/8 socket wrench and used to roate the piston. Got one for $10 at Sears...called a "Disc Brake Piston Tool". Example from Amazon on below link:

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-28600-Di.../dp/B0002SQUFY

BUY ONE!

 

that piston tool is awesome, few years back i had to do brakes without it, used a c-clamp and pliers, what a pain. got that tool last time it took 10 seconds!