Technical Replacing front brake pads (ABS)
- Thread starter mariush
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Technical Replacing front brake pads (ABS)
ScoobyChris
Established member
If you're only changing the pads then you shouldn't need to worry about anything 
Only difference is there's an ABS sensor but you can leave that connected when you put the pads in....
Chris
Only difference is there's an ABS sensor but you can leave that connected when you put the pads in....Chris
doctorchris
Established member
To prevent damage to ABS, before you push the brake pistons in, clamp the flexible brake hose and open the bleed valve. This prevents back pressure on the brake system which ABS is not keen on.
Flexis can be clamped with a simple tool available cheaply from auto suppliers. You can also use a vise-grip with a lot of material padding but this is more likely to damage the hose.http://www.pvrdirect.co.uk/productInfo.aspx?catref=11534&print=yes
This link is to a typical and cheap flexi clamp.
Flexis can be clamped with a simple tool available cheaply from auto suppliers. You can also use a vise-grip with a lot of material padding but this is more likely to damage the hose.http://www.pvrdirect.co.uk/productInfo.aspx?catref=11534&print=yes
This link is to a typical and cheap flexi clamp.
Why not just take the reservoir cap off and release the pressure that way. I've used that method for 20 odd years on cars with and without ABS with no problem.
ScoobyChris
Established member
doctorchris
Established member
I don't want to be Mr Grumpy but my method of clamping the flexi hose prevents hydraulic fluid from the piston, which may contain contaminants and some water, being retained or even pushed back up the system.
It is simple and adds little time to the job. In addition, you don't have to worry about the reservoir overflowing if it has been recently topped up.
All I'm suggesting is that my technique is good for the health of your braking system.
Now, how do you all push back the piston?
I place a small block of wood onto the face of the piston and have a small G-clamp that carefully winds it back in (front brakes only, rear discs are a whole different matter). You must take care not to apply any sideways forces as this can damage the surfaces of the piston or the calliper bore.
Don't forget, efficient brakes can save your life. Poor brake maintenance techniques can cost a lot of money a few years down the line.
It is simple and adds little time to the job. In addition, you don't have to worry about the reservoir overflowing if it has been recently topped up.
All I'm suggesting is that my technique is good for the health of your braking system.
Now, how do you all push back the piston?
I place a small block of wood onto the face of the piston and have a small G-clamp that carefully winds it back in (front brakes only, rear discs are a whole different matter). You must take care not to apply any sideways forces as this can damage the surfaces of the piston or the calliper bore.
Don't forget, efficient brakes can save your life. Poor brake maintenance techniques can cost a lot of money a few years down the line.
Doc are you the only sane one ..I agree with your philosophy of clamping the hydraulic caliper hose..although it would seem that chris @ souls seems take the quick route..such abuse within the work shop from your local dealer..:bang: anyway you use a block of wood and I use an old brake pad..
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And I use a nice G clamp that looks like one of those guns for putting bath sealant on! Has a nice big plastic head that covers the whole piston too...
Always remove the fluid reservoir lid in case it overflows and fecks up the paint under the bonnet but never had an ABS issue after.
Always remove the fluid reservoir lid in case it overflows and fecks up the paint under the bonnet but never had an ABS issue after.
So your a pumper and not a screwer then ffoxy..:devil:
I use an old hypo from my friendy drug dealer to remove excess fluid..:idea:
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Runs off to google..
Check here old buddy...
http://autorepair.about.com/cs/generalinfo/l/bldef_058.htm
I knew what it meant....mine gets changed every two years..fliud that is..
..mine gets changed every two years..fliud that is..
