Installing new brake pads(fronts) does the brake pad with the wear indicator go on the inside or outside of the caliper?

 

doesn't matter.....

 

Outside. For visual purposes.

 

According to Chiltons:

"The wear sensor should be at the trailing edge of the outer brake pad when the wheel is rotated forward. If not, the outer pad is on the wrong side."

That's the way my original front pads are installed. I don't think you could install the front pads with the sensor in the back... the inner pad needs the spring that fits into the piston, the outer pad has the bowtie clip that holds the pad on the caliper.

 

Yes, you can. Mine have been like that for roughly 5,000 miles. It may be detrimental, but I highly doubt it. I actually put them on the back for "visual purposes." In other words, so I don't have to seem them.

Edit: Damn, I'm thinking of the backs.....

I'm bending over right now, awaiting a kick in the ***

Actually, now that I realize that we are talking about the fronts, I don't feel so dumb. It is absolutely impossible to install them any other way then the "right" way...

 

What I meant by visual purposes is that you can guage the amount of wear by it. The GM manual also shows it on the outside.

 

Yes, you can judge wear by it. But you can just as easily look at the pad at an angle, even with the wheel on and notice when they are getting "worn"

The wear indicator is like a dummy light for non car people. If you have a dummy light come on, then you more than likely already have a malfunction somewhere. In this case its a small gash in the rotor. Anyone that waits for the indicator is a total nincompoot (sp?)

 

Yeah, you want the squeaker trailing (when going forward) not leading so if it breaks off or bends it doesn't jam under the pad. Generally things are designed so they only go in properly one way. Not to say you can't get it in wrong...with a big enough hammer.