Replacing brake pad spring

[Constant Mesh]

I'm about to install new OE pads in a front caliper. The procedure in the service manual recommends replacing the brake pad spring too. I didn't buy a new spring. Should I get one? The old one still has a lot of spring.

It's also recommended in the manual to install new pads as a set. The inside pads wear quite a bit faster. Will I create a problem if I put a new pad on the inside and use an old, somewhat worn pad on the outside? Obviously the outside pistons will be extending out farther and there won't be side-to-side symmetry but is that a problem? I'm assuming there'll still be equal forces applied to both sides of the disc. Will I experience uneven heating of the disc due to different pad masses?

 

[RossKean]

I have never replaced the springs. I just clean them up. At half life, I swap left and right brake pads to extend their life. If the left to right difference is extreme, extend and clean the pistons - good idea to do so when you change pads anyway. It shouldn't hurt to only replace one of the pair of pads.

 

[majicmaker]

Leave the springs.... Take the cannoli.

 

[FJReady]

I'm om my 3rd set of pads, original springs. I do recommend rotating the inner with outer pads to balance the wear. Also its a good idea to clean pistons of road grime once in a while. Takes a while, but relatively easy. The trick is to rotate the pistons slightly to be able to clean around the back side. I used a pair of bent needlenose pliers to grab the ID (inside diameter) of the pistons to turn them. Didn't want to risk damaging the outside diameter by grabbing with channelocks.