Caliper refitting

[Roy_S]

I have removed the old calipers and have a new set to fit (new discs fitted). Problem I have is I just can't get the new calipers to line up with the holes without the disc shield getting in the way.
The calipers are a really tight fit, I'm talking wood block and hammer to slide them into place, I've measured the old caliper lugs and not much in it but the new caplier lugs are a little thicker which is not helping.
Problem is that as the caliper is being driffted into place it drags the disc shield lug across the bolt hole. I can just manage to lever that across, but it takes the caliper lug with it, move the caliper and the shield covers the hole again.
I've managed to get the lower bolt in place so I know the top lug is in the right plane and just a case of moving the caliper in/out to line up, but this shield won't play ball.
I have managed to get the top bolt through the caliper lug to stop it moving, but after levering the shield it tightens up on the bolt because the caliper moves, tap the caliper to free the bolt, moves the shield.
Not sure what is going to run out first, swear words or patience.......

[NeilR]

Have you loosened off the remaining strut bolts (3 of them).

[Roy_S]

I'll have a weetabix or three and give that a try.

[trunt]

+1
I had the same issues until it finally occurred to me to loosen the other strut bolts. The first side had gone on with no issues so It took me a little while to get there.

[Roy_S]

Thanks, I think it's one of those Doh..! moments, it came off therefore must go back on, I was at the time thinking of taking the sheild off to clean and paint, but time wasn't on my side, guess it is now.

[wilf]

Yup - loosening ALL the bolts is the key, I found out the hard way, too.

[brett_smith]

Same problem doing mine and sitting on the garage floor all day takes its toll. Agree with loosen ALL bolts on back bracket. Be careful when you just think you’re lined up as I stripped the bolt thread on the dust shield. It felt right until it wouldn’t torque down. Another heli coil. I also found the bolts very sensitive to the recommended torque pressure.

[Roy_S]

My thanks for the replies, it worked and I managed to get it fitted, the disc shield bracket was way out. Removed the caliper again and bent the locating tab into place, but it still managed to move and foul the bolt. Then a suggestion from my father was to grind one of the old caliper bolts with a taper to it so that it slid into the fixing and allowed me to move/prise the shield tab out of the way.
Now onto the other side with this new found knowledge, thanks all.