I want to take the brake pads out of my Panda (M Reg 999cc) but I can't figure out how to get the "wedge-shaped" blocks out. Does anybody have any advice and / or a picture? The picture in my Haynes doesn't seem to look much like my set up!
There are two small retaining clips which fit through the wedge shaped blocks. Pull them out (pliers job) - one comes vertically up, the other vertically down.
Tap the wedges out (tapping towards the outside of the car). I use a hammer and a tough old screwdriver to drive them out.
Will be much easier with a pic - will try to find one!
Thanks David. The two small retaining clips - do you mean the 2 small "R" clips?
If so, I have found those (under the general crud!).
Ok so it's just a case of knocking them out. I thought it must be but I didn't want to wade in with the hammer without checking!
There is also a big rusty (in my case anyway) spring type clip . Is that to stop the pads from rattling?
When I recently did discs and pads on the Terra van I thought about a photo diary but then reckoned no one would be interested.
If I get a chance I'll pull them down again and get some pics
Thanks David. The two small retaining clips - do you mean the 2 small "R" clips?
If so, I have found those (under the general crud!).
Ok so it's just a case of knocking them out. I thought it must be but I didn't want to wade in with the hammer without checking!
There is also a big rusty (in my case anyway) spring type clip . Is that to stop the pads from rattling?
Yep, two small "R" clips. Pull them out, keep them safe. Drift the wedges out and the caliper will wriggle out. The big spring clip is to keep it all tight and prevent rattling.
Check the surfaces of the caliper and the wedges. Clean them well and if in good condition smear with as little copper grease as possible on the sliding surfaces. (Whilst lubricating and preventing rusting, the copper grease will attract dust.) If available, graphite on the sliding surfaces works better as it does not attract dust. If in doubt get new wedges.