I normally have no problems installing pads, but for some reason I am stuck with my 97 XJ Sport. Caliper piston fully compressed, new pads match the old ones and installed just fine into the caliper body. Can't get the assembled unit to go on. The pads have rectangular notches on one end and finger like guides on the other end. This is where I am having the problem . . . can't get them lined up!!!!

 

Pictures would probably help the most.

Either:

1. They are the wrong pads
2. They are the wrong rotors
3. The caliper is not actually fully depressed
4. (Most common, if the parts are right) The rotor is not flush against the hub. Makes sure it is pushed all the way back against the hub nice and flat, if it is not, it will make you feel like your pads aren't fitting over it.

Make sure the rectangular notch is the one closest to the ground. The other end of the pad, with the single guide should be the one pointed towards the sky.

The rectangular notch (pointed downward) should be able to be placed on the knuckle slide rail, and the caliper/pads rotated over until the other side of the pad is sitting on the topmost knuckle slide rail. If you can't rotate it on with the caliper depressed, and the rotor nice and flush against the hub, then something bigger might be wrong.

 

Thanks for the help . . . I actually got it. the metal flange the bottom caliper bolt is to thread into (with the brass shim and rubber boot) was giving me issues.