I changed the pads, cleaned up the calipers, and as I'm putting everything back together, the brake pad retaining clips refuse to cooperate. I've tried everything I can think of; pushed the pistons back in, pushed them out (making sure they aren't seized in the bore), lubed the slide pins with Sil-Glyde, cleaned all the surfaces, etc... but this spring clip won't go in and stay put. When I get both ends in their holes and pry/pull them over the lip onto the carrier, it's barely hanging on and pops off with the slightest nudge. I've put it in top side first, bottom side first, but it doesn't seem like it's grabbing enough of a toe-hold to be secure.
I'm wondering if maybe the pads are too thick and that's causing things to not line up? Maybe the piston isn't pushing out enough? I'm at a loss and hoping someone can point out the dumb thing I'm overlooking. I know it's got to be something simple and face-palm worthy... I just think I need a second set of eyes. Going back out now to take some pics, which I'll post shortly....

 

I had to hold it in place to get this photo

The piston is pushed all the way in, but after moving the caliper and pumping the brakes, it's still not contacting the inner pad

This is the most I've been able to get it on, but the slightest touch and it'll shoot across the garage


It's barely hanging on

 

I believe you are putting on backwards ......

flip 180 degrees . . .


hint ... take pictures b4 you disassemble if not SURE

 

It won't go on any other way, and the spring is the same if I flip top to bottom.
I did have the parking brake on apparently (definitely qualifies as a dumb oversight) so I released the brake, pushed & rotated the piston all the way back in, then managed to get it on a little more securely. Not sure if that was the actual problem, but certainly didn't help.

 

Possible the prong going into the holes a bent a little. I start ones side then pull the other one up then tap on the prong gong into the holes back and forth. Line up the old one to the new one (if you have one and see if the bends are way off If so they bend with some pliers till they work.