Hi All

I want to learn how to do this myself but before that I need to get the tools required. Can you confirm that the tools needed for the job are correct: -

• Trolley jack and axle stands (Halfords are doing a good deal on these)
• Impact driver in case disc screws get stuck
• C-Clamp
• Adjustable wrench or use specific sizes (not sure what these are)
• Mallet in case the disc is a bit stubborn
• Copper grease
• Brake cleaner
• Socket set - I noticed Hypersonik recommending six sided sockets are these the norm in places like Wickes, Halfords, etc?

Anyone from the South Wales or Bristol area who wouldn't mind just watching over me incase I don't kill myself? There's some beer tokens for you.

 

12mm spanner or socket for the calipers and a 17mm for the carriers. Other than that everything you've listed. I would heavily recommend that you find someone who knows what their doing to observe the first time round. Although quite simple when you've done a few they can be death traps if proper care isn't taken.

 

My brake pad changing kit consists of

Jack and stands
12mm Ring spanner
17mm Ring spanner
12mm socket (easier to use some of the time)
Chisel for winding back the rear pistons
Powa grip clamp for the front pistons (easier to use as can be done one handed)
Copper grease
Wheel wrench (cos I'm a weakling)
Breaker bar (cos I'm a weakling)
Brake cleaner
Wire brush for cleaning
Lube for the piston rubbers
Latex gloves
Paper towels (copper grease has a habit of getting everywhere)

Hope that helps from a mechanical numpty perspective

You'll need to add the bits for doing the discs to that list of course.

 

Please never use an adjustable spanner on nuts/bolts on a car, it was alright for bigger stuff down the pit but not for use on my baby.

 

Thanks all for your comments.

 

The disk screws will be stuck. I would try to budge them before you even worry about anything else. There's nothing worse than getting half way through what should be an easy job and then discovering something you can't undo.

 

The impact driver his original list should sort that out.

 

and if it dont work, a hammer&chisel on the edge of the screw gets it undone.
throw it away and dont re-use it; the wheel will hold the disc to the hub so pretty pointless.

i personally bought a caliper return kit from ebay. sommat like £30.
fronts are easily worked around, but the rears can be a bit of a bugger and i dont think it's worth the worry of catching the dust seal with the end of a chisel to then have to replace £100 caliper within 12months!

 

I find a chisel is a lot easier to use than a windback tool (I have both). Just keep the sharp bit covered and place it well away from the rubber parts.

 

a good windback tool is far better as you can put a socket / breaker bar on it BUT you need 2 pairs of hands to use them... one to hold the thing the other to spin it round !