Changing 1.8HLX discs and pads

[Insomnia]

I've had a gander at the Bravo Guide and chnaging the brake discs and pads sounds simple-ish. I'm not in any way shape or form a mechanic - anything technical and I'm lost, I can do an oil change and I've got some savvy so I'm guessing I should be alright if I follow the guide?

Anyone beg to differ?

Thing is, I've just had the wheel aligning done (way out apparently.. prolly explains why steering wheel was at an angle when driving ahead in a straight line!) and the garage has pointed out that the discs and pads at the front are seriously worn and need replacing asap.

The n/s/r shock is leaking badly as well so I'm guessing that needs replacing shortly - I'll get that done in a service by a mobile mechanic I use.

 

[David T]

I hate that when your steering wheel is at an angle.

As for doing your brakes yourself don't know. I don't what to say go for it and then you forget to tighten the bolts on the caliper or something and go straight on into a bus stop and kill 5 people waiting for the No.22. It is as you say relatively simple but on the other hand they are brakes and it rather important that they are done right.

If you do decide to do them yourself buy a hynes manual (very useful) or print off the info on the bravo guide and use it as a reference, also before you start make a list of all the things you have to do and tick each job as you complete it. This way you can't forget to do anything and can't go wrong. Last but not least, take your time!

P.S. Try not to break you finger when undoing the caliper mounting bolts like I did.

 

[Tom]

Its a doddle but the allen key to get the calipers off is an odd size.

 

[Rab]

i've got new discs and pads ready to go on but can't find a 7mm allen key anywhere.
Anyone got an idea where i'l get one from?

 

[kev]

hi i got my 7mm allan key from the local car accessory shop for a couple of
quid but halfords or motor world should have them

 

[Tom]

I THINK hellfrauds flog them.

If not:
http://www.tool-up.co.uk/shop/diy/scan/se=707/sf=cat

 

[Rab]

Got one thanks.
Found it in my local corsa & saxo plastic tat shop
seems they are good for something then.

Rab.
"If at first you don't succeed lower your standards".

 

[Insomnia]

Well I've done both front wheels. Discs and pads. Took me about 2.5 hours for both but I'm so slow at anything mechanical it just ain't funny

Yet to try them out and see what I've forgotten to do! Although I did follow the Bravo Guide's instructions to the tee (although it is a 17mm socket not a 19mm socket on the caliper mounting bracket).

Once the traffic dies down a bit, I'll venture out. Fingers crossed!!

Ins.

 

[john]

pump the brake pedal a few time before driving out onto the road.

i forgot after doing the pads, the pedal went to the floor and i had a wee fright. lucky the streets were empty.

 

[Insomnia]

Yeah I noticed that... went to turn the car around on the drive and realised there was no resistance on the brake pedal

Don't seem any different to me but I'm driving around so gently until they bed themselves in its difficult to notice any change.

Ins.