Technical Replacing Front Discs

[Gaj]

Has anyone done this?

Two questions...

1) is it worth going for drilled and grooved discs. Has anyone purchased OMP discs and are they any good? Is is Ok to stick to the standard discs?

2) Can they be replaced without the need to drain and refil/bleed the brake system? Can the callipers be losened or removed, even left in place, when the discs are replaced.

Any help or shared experience gratefully received...

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

Hi Gaj

1. Yes definetly worth upgrading the discs however possible, I would go for something like 3G discs as opposed to OMP, as they come highly recommended. There was a group buy on FCCUK, not sure if it's still current though.

2. I didn't bleed my brake line when I changed the discs, You just undo the caliper via a couple of allen screws and then knock a couple of steel rods through, and the caliper swings open IIRC.

 

[Gaj]

Nice one, thanks.

how much should I look to pay for the upgrade and should I replace the pads for upgraded ones also?

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

http://www.fccuk.org/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=66492&an=0&page=0#Post66492

Has the prices on there.

I would upgrade the pads too. Pagid maybe.

 

[Gaj]

Got it, thanks.

Too many bills to upgrade right now. Think I will repace like 4 like now and upgrade later. Just need to replace warped at the moment. Great advice though, thanks. Will def. Upgrade later.

Anythink else I need to think about when replacing the front discs. it looks pretty easy. Do i need a torque wrench? Any common disasters? I have the workshop manual so I hope it it as easy as it states there.

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

I'm sure there'll be a how-to guide on fccuk if you have a look...

 

[Taz]

piece of **** :

jack up the front of the car ( if you can't do this, then give up ! )

remove each road wheel

drive out the pad guide pins, using a good pin punch from the FRONT face of the caliper

remove the old pads & chuck em' in the bin

undo the caliper mouning bolts on the REAR of the caliper ( 2 off bolts )

withdraw the caliper & SUPPORT it to one side ( I usually rest it on the wishbone, with a bit of card underneath to stop it form scratching the caliper )

if your discs still have them, remove the 2 off 10mm disc securing nuts using a proper spanner.

the disc should come away easily with a light tap.

clean the hub surface with some fine emery cloth.

then fit the new stuff.

just remeber when fitting the new pads, that you'll need to push back the pistons. You'll need to remove the brake fluid reservoir, as some fluis may need to be mopped up, so have a rag handy when you CAREFULLY psuh the pistons back, when they are fitted.

easy stuff really.

oh, if you aren't sure, then DON'T do the job, you'll only fcuk up the discs, calipers etc

Taz

 

[Renegade_8]

I usually support calipers with a cable tie through one of the mounting holes looped around somewhere convenient like the macpherson strut. That way if you arw an amatuer like me and hit it accidentaly it doesnt get knocked off it's perch and falls down damaging the hose ( please don't ask me how I know this.)

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

I just pay someone else!