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[Webby the Bear]

Hi All,

Just thought I'd share my most recent research in the field of mechanics and that is brake pad removal and replacement.

I have obviously never done it but you gotta crawl before you can walk 

After looking at loads of vids it seems pretty standard procedure across most cars:

Caliper unit removal with 2 bolts at each end, old brake pads out, caliper piston turned in til flush, new pads in, unit back on and screwed back up. Done after pumping pedal!

Now of course the real reason for talking about it is cos like anything there are some people who make videos on the net that appear straight forward and useful but essentially, after researching further miss a load out.

Just wondering if there's any difference to the procedure that other folk do?

Cheers folks 

[Andy B]

.....

Caliper unit removal with 2 bolts at each end, old brake pads out, caliper piston turned in til flush, new pads in, unit back on and screwed back up. Done after pumping pedal!
 ....

The caliper piston doesn't turn, it just pushes in. Be careful when you push the piston back, apparently it's possible to invert the master cylinder seal, some clamp the flexi hose & slacken the bleed nipple before they push the piston back in. 

[Webby the Bear]

I've seen some that push in (on most videos) but there are some with a '+' that apparently need to be screwed in.

Also, what's the advantage of clamping the hose? To not lose loads of break fluid maybe?

[Andy B]

....... but there are some with a '+' that apparently need to be screwed in.

and your Omega isn't one of them. 

Also, what's the advantage of clamping the hose? To not lose loads of BRAKE fluid maybe?

you're stopping BRAKE fluid going back up to the master cylinder. And getting shut of the fluid in the caliper. 

[hotel21]

Brake fluid is hygroscopic (not hydroscopic.  Check Google and learn) and thats why there is a fluid change frequency specced by the manufacturers in the service shedule.

Clamping the hose, opening the bleed nipple and then pushing back the calipers ensures a couple of things.

1)  The bleed nipply opens allowing you to correctly bleed any air from the hydraulic line and
2)  Prevent the fluid being forced back up the line by pushing the caliper pistons back and potentially, causing the specially shaped seals in the master cylinder being inverted or pushed back against their construction shape.

As to 2), think push bike air pump.  Ever taken one to bits?  The seal on the end of the handle/push rod assembly is a shaped seal.  If enough air/fluid was pushed back into the pump there is a risk that the seal could be deformed - inverted - and thus reduce the capability of the pump.  Or ABS unit.

Plus, given the cars are now a few years old, they would (should) have had a couple of fluid changes (you checked the definition of hygroscopic, yeah??) and if some lazy twonk didn't do the fluid change properly (or at all) then there is a risk that either the whole fluid content is water contaminated or just the last wee bit thats still within the caliper behind the bleed nipple.

You only need to experience severe brake fade (or water molecules in the rake fluid boiling, creating steam which is compressible) to want to ensure that the system is full of fresh fluid.

Or thats my take on it anyway.  Your neck, your call, but it could be me or your family in the car coming the other way that you need to stop for.   

[Andy B]

Brake fluid is hygroscopic (not hydroscopic.  Check Google and learn) .....

It's only in recent years I discovered it was hygroscopic. As an apprentice I was always taught that it was hydroscopic ..... 
Chief Tiffs!! What did they know? 

[Lazydocker]

Nice explanation H21

Webby, I mean this in the most polite way... Do not work on the braking system without someone there who's willing to make sure you do it correctly. If you get it wrong you could easily kill yourself or someone else

[Webby the Bear]

oh yeah don't panic boys - i'd never ''suck it and see''!

thanks for the detailed reply h21. i'm at work now but i shall research what you've said over the weekend! 

[Lazydocker]

oh yeah don't panic boys - i'd never ''suck it and see''!

thanks for the detailed reply h21. i'm at work now but i shall research what you've said over the weekend! 

I'd just hate for you to get it wrong... Brakes are very important and I can't emphasise enough the importance of making sure someone knows what they are doing

[Webby the Bear]

oh yeah don't panic boys - i'd never ''suck it and see''!

thanks for the detailed reply h21. i'm at work now but i shall research what you've said over the weekend! 

I'd just hate for you to get it wrong... Brakes are very important and I can't emphasise enough the importance of making sure someone knows what they are doing

believe me mate i'm not taking my wheel off without supervision!!!!

thank you

[TheBoy]

Nice explanation H21

Webby, I mean this in the most polite way... Do not work on the braking system without someone there who's willing to make sure you do it correctly. If you get it wrong you could easily kill yourself or someone else

As previously stated to Webby the Bear, he is welcome to bring it over and I will supervise him doing it the first time he attempts it.


I am sure there is a guide in Maint Guides for pad and disc changes... ...well, front, anyway.

[Lazydocker]

Nice explanation H21

Webby, I mean this in the most polite way... Do not work on the braking system without someone there who's willing to make sure you do it correctly. If you get it wrong you could easily kill yourself or someone else

As previously stated to Webby the Bear, he is welcome to bring it over and I will supervise him doing it the first time he attempts it.


I am sure there is a guide in Maint Guides for pad and disc changes... ...well, front, anyway.

Webby, that's an offer well worth considering

Although be careful...

...He has a habit of trying to groom men he has met on the internet

[dbug]

Hi All,

Just thought I'd share my most recent research in the field of mechanics and that is brake pad removal and replacement.

I have obviously never done it but you gotta crawl before you can walk 

After looking at loads of vids it seems pretty standard procedure across most cars:

Caliper unit removal with 2 bolts at each end, old brake pads out, caliper piston turned in til flush, new pads in, unit back on and screwed back up. Done after pumping pedal!

Now of course the real reason for talking about it is cos like anything there are some people who make videos on the net that appear straight forward and useful but essentially, after researching further miss a load out.

Just wondering if there's any difference to the procedure that other folk do?

Cheers folks 

On Omega only need to remove bottom bolt from sliding joint and swing caliper up on top slider.  No need to remove caliper

[Webby the Bear]

Arrr the swing caliper. i've seen that in vids too. looks a bit more handy for manouvering! 

i just got back from twiglets (thanks for parts and fitting mate) so i'm going to  get showered and research H21's advice