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Idiots guide to changing front pads
Posted: 20 Jul 2016, 06:09
by Sir Brixalot
Can anyone talk me through doing this? I have a late van. I can't see how to free the pads.
Re: Idiots guide to changing front pads
Posted: 20 Jul 2016, 06:28
by Mocki
no disrespect, but are you sure you should really be playing with brakes?
Re: Idiots guide to changing front pads
Posted: 20 Jul 2016, 07:13
by Sir Brixalot
Its just the pads. Done them and bearings before on other cars but a long time ago. After having the local garage doing jobs and not doing them properly I want to do as much as possible myself. Haynes is easy to follow for the early brake pad swaps but less clear for late
Re: Idiots guide to changing front pads
Posted: 20 Jul 2016, 08:31
by multisi
If you have the later blue Haynes manual it says how to do them, remove lower small bolt on caliper ,swing caliper up and take them out.
Re: Idiots guide to changing front pads
Posted: 20 Jul 2016, 09:28
by Sir Brixalot
Cheers Mate. I'll do that. Might have to do a bearing as well so it's good to start with something very easy and find my way around.
Re: Idiots guide to changing front pads
Posted: 20 Jul 2016, 10:05
by CovKid
Only tip I might add is have some thin rope, wire or similar to hand so you can suspend caliper out the way prior to refitment or something you can lay it on. Saves stressing the brake hose.
Re: Idiots guide to changing front pads
Posted: 20 Jul 2016, 11:46
by multisi
Might have to push piston back in to get the new pads in, i use a woodworking clamp and a block of wood or ply.
Re: Idiots guide to changing front pads
Posted: 20 Jul 2016, 12:29
by Sir Brixalot
Thanks for the tips. I've got an adjustable spanner which should do the same job. Weirdly the braking noise has gone now I've put the wheel back on but it'll only come back so I'll check the pads anyway
Re: Idiots guide to changing front pads
Posted: 20 Jul 2016, 12:37
by shepster
Sir Brixalot wrote:Thanks for the tips. I've got an adjustable spanner which should do the same job.
I'd love to see you try to push the pistons in with an adjustable spanner!
You must have strong fingers down there.
Re: Idiots guide to changing front pads
Posted: 20 Jul 2016, 13:26
by Sir Brixalot
Point taken. I was thinking I'd just have to hold them in place rather than force them back.
Will these do the job?
http://www.screwfix.com/p/f-clamp-set-p ... AsL88P8HAQ
Re: Idiots guide to changing front pads
Posted: 20 Jul 2016, 13:54
by DoubleOSeven
No. You'll need a G clamp to get the leverage.
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Re: Idiots guide to changing front pads
Posted: 20 Jul 2016, 15:32
by Sir Brixalot
Thankyou. Which one of these would you recommend?
http://www.screwfix.com/search?search=g+clmp
Re: Idiots guide to changing front pads
Posted: 20 Jul 2016, 19:51
by multisi
The first ones you pictured are the ones i use.But g clamp better, measure what will fit around the caliper.Make sure you double or triple check that you have done things correctly if this is your first time !
Re: Idiots guide to changing front pads
Posted: 20 Jul 2016, 20:47
by CovKid
And remember that when you push in pistons, brake topup bottle will rise

Re: Idiots guide to changing front pads
Posted: 20 Jul 2016, 21:41
by Sir Brixalot
I was wondering about that. I can see online it recommended that the bottle has the lid taken off and and cloth wrapped around to mop up any overspill. I didn't see it mentioned in the Haynes though.