What have I done wrong in changing my brakes?

I just changed my front brakes and had a tough time with the passenger side. Everything came off easy but when I tried to install the new pads my caliper wouldn't fit right. When I got it on, the caliper bracket the opposite side of the rotor went crooked and had about half an inch that needed to be pushed back (only on one side). I put the tyre on anyway and doing so pushed the rotor to where it's supposed to be but now it takes a lot of effort to drive and without using the brakes it stops very quickly. What do I need to do to fix the problem?

Blake Greiner (Lansing)

Sep 2011 Filed under: brakes

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Expert answer

Hi Blake,

You really shouldn't drive any further with the car in this state. It sounds like the pads have not been fitted correctly and the wheel should be removed and the brakes inspected by a qualified mechanic. We'd like to help, but it really is something that needs to be physically seen.

Good luck with it.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser
@Shane_O_D