Baer Performance Brakes - How To

Baer sent us all the trimmings for a complete brake swap, including a lightweight cast-aluminum master cylinder. For those who choose to stick with the original iron master cylinder, make sure the bore size is the same. Larger Granada spindles aren't included. These 12-inch Serious Street front binders are designed to fit inside 15-inch wheels. They won't fit with 14-inch wheels.

Rather bland, isn't it? Michelle's Boss 302 sports the original single-piston Kelsey-Hayes front disc brakes with floating calipers. We're going to improve the view and performance with a set of Baer Claws.

Because we have to upgrade the spindles, all the castle nuts must be removed. It's a good idea to leave them screwed in 3-4 threads for easier removal with an impact tool or pickle fork. Here, we're using a nondestructive impact tool to jar the tie-rod end loose.

We're installing Granada spindles for compatibility with the Baer disc brakes. We call them Granada spindles, but they're actually '70-and-up compact and intermediate spindles, which are thicker and stronger. This may involve installing larger outer tie-rod ends, depending on the model year.

Front spindles receive caliper support brackets using Allen bolts and Loctite on the bolt threads. The bolts need to be torqued to the specifications found in the Baer instructions.

Michelle seats the 12-inch rotor and installs the outer-wheel bearing. The races have been lubricated and are ready to go. Torque the bearings to 20-25 lb-ft while spinning the rotor to seat them. Back the nut to the first cotter-pin hole twice to ensure proper seating. Check rotation smoothness; any binding or friction is cause for removal and inspection.

Cotter-pin installation is key to safety. When the cage is installed, this is how the cotter pin goes in, with both legs wrapped around the cage for added security. They must not touch the dust cap.

Baer Claws get calipers as shown, taking extra time to inspect caliper clearances on both sides of each rotor. Use Loctite and proper torque on caliper mounting bolts.

Caliper clearances must be checked. There must be a minimum of 11/416 to 11/48 inch on both sides for proper clearance. Remember that brake rotors get hot. When they do, they grow in size and the gap closes.

Baer provided us with braided hoses, which give us a harder pedal and superior longevity over rubber reinforced brake hoses. Copper washers go on both sides of the fitting. Torque to Baer's specifications.

We like Baer's 12-inch front disc brakes for their perfect fit and the view through classic wheel spokes.

Because Michelle's high-power Boss 302 needs exceptional braking performance without fade, she opted for Baer's 11.35-inch Serious Street rear disc brakes as well. Baer has thought of everything here, including parking-brake cables. They look stock, but they're coated for corrosion protection.

Our Boss 302's original drum brakes came off without the use of a puller. Backing plates are removed via four bolts with self-locking nuts. Parking-brake cables are disconnected at the C-clip. Ultimately, they have to be removed at the backing plates.

The brake line is removed at the wheel cylinder. We're using a tubing wrench to prevent damage.

Brake assembly and axle shaft are removed together.

Baer's brake caliper mounting plate is installed first. This bracket goes in between the flanges. We're not comfortable using the original axle flange bolts because they're not long enough. We suggest using 2-inch Grade 8 fine-thread bolts and Loctite.

Now that we have established caliper bracket positioning, we're ready for the adapter bracket that ties the Baer caliper to the axle bracket.

Baer offers good-looking disc brakes that provide outstanding performance with proper installation. Always consult the Baer instructions. When things don't add up, call Baer's tech line for assistance.

With the brake rotor installed, we're ready for the caliper. As with the front disc brakes, caliper clearancing is critical to safe operation. If clearances are too tight, an expanding rotor can make contact with the caliper, causing damage and brake failure.

This is how parking-brake cable installation should look. Cables run to typical stock parking-brake locations. The only area they differ is at the caliper.