When replacing front brake pads...

[AtLarge]

You drive the retainer pins from the inside (wheel) out so, is it best to bolt them back to the leg first?  I read Frankenducks notes here and it isn't clear to me.

http://www.motobrick.com/index.php?topic=2087.msg11046#msg11046

Seems like it would be tough to hold the hanging caliper and the nail while tapping with a hammer.

Also, can you buy the antivibration wire clips separately?  I can't see mine looking down from the top of the caliper.  The parts explosion doesn't show the clips, just the pin until you go down to the detail for the pin and then it shows them in that picture.  The pad set I bought are Niche and I don't see them included.  Maybe I can run without them?

[frankenduck]

I've changed lots of K brake pads. Not once have I done it with a caliper bolted to the fork.

Just spray disc brake quiet on the backs of the pads to mitigate brake squeal.

[AtLarge]

Well, this is a little anti-climatic.  I was all stoked to git er done this weekend and ran into a small problem.  I jacked the bike up and pulled the wheel.  Yes, the retaining pins move easy.  I was expecting a fight.  Nope, no vibration clips in there either.  Ok, moving on put the pucks in and cannot push the pin in.     Take the pucks back out and compare them to the OE that were in there.  If I line up the pin holes the steel carrier on the Niche is taller.  If I line up the steel carriers, the pin hole on the Niche is lower.  So, when I insert the pin it angles down and it cannot be inserted on the other side because it doesn't line up.  $28 on Amazon doesn't turn out to be such a good deal after all.  Fortunately, they did refund it already and I didn't have to return them.  Now I get to have the bike down for a couple days while I order replacements.   

[frankenduck]

Well, this is a little anti-climatic.  I was all stoked to git er done this weekend and ran into a small problem.  I jacked the bike up and pulled the wheel.  Yes, the retaining pins move easy.  I was expecting a fight.  Nope, no vibration clips in there either.  Ok, moving on put the pucks in and cannot push the pin in.     Take the pucks back out and compare them to the OE that were in there.  If I line up the pin holes the steel carrier on the Niche is taller.  If I line up the steel carriers, the pin hole on the Niche is lower.  So, when I insert the pin it angles down and it cannot be inserted on the other side because it doesn't line up.  $28 on Amazon doesn't turn out to be such a good deal after all.  Fortunately, they did refund it already and I didn't have to return them.  Now I get to have the bike down for a couple days while I order replacements.   

You can just drill out the holes in the brake pads to make them fit better. I've done that with aftermarket pads where the holes didn't line up perfectly.

EBC pads have the wire clips. I still use disc brake quiet on those too. It can't hurt.

[AtLarge]

Thanks Frank.  I did consider that but, decided I'm tired of reworking new parts.  Since I had already processed the return and they don't want them back I'm just going to chuck them in the spares box.  I can do that if I get desperate in the future.  I ordered the EBC's and they should be here by Friday.  Just gotta wait.