greatgonzo

iTrader: (1)

As above, I have done the pads with no problems before,but I might do the discs as well this time, Is it a difficult job

greatgonzo

iTrader: (1)

Anyone

Gigsy

Easy job... takes about an hour to do both sides. Getting the disc off can be an issue - handbrake must be released and helps if you rotate the hubs a few times before you try and remove it.

greatgonzo

iTrader: (1)

Cheers Gigsy, when you say released is that used the hand lever inside the car or is there some sort of mechanism to do with the brakes

Gigsy

No, just release the handbrake level in the car and turn the rear wheels once it's jacked up... as the handbrake operates inside a drum within the rear disc, turning the wheels just helps release shoes so you can pull the disc off more easily.

Alternatively, you could just not apply the handbrake when you park it to do the discs.

Other than that, it's just whip the pads out, unbolt the caliper and tie it out of the way, pull the old disc off, put the new one on, re-attach the caliper and slip the pads back in. No specialist skills / tools needed, however, I use one of these http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/Disc-Br...l-Sealey-AK711 to push the pistons back into the which makes life a bit easier.

greatgonzo

iTrader: (1)

Thanks mate thats really helpful
Might treat myself to one of those tools they look very handy

djandyg

iTrader: (2)

If its the same set up as a blob eye (which im pretty sure it is) then releasing the handbrake just at the handle may not be enough to release the drum enough to remove the disc. There will be a rubber bung on the backplate which you can pull out, allowing access to the handbrake shoe adjuster. You can then slacken the shoes off properly by de-adjusting. Draw the discs off using two bolts and tightening evenly into the threaded holes on the front of the disc.
Try them first by just releasing the handbrake handle by all means, but just be aware that if you rip them off and manage to pull the shoes with it, you'll probs ping off all the springs keeping the shoes in place lol

Gigsy

^ good point.

Must confess, when I've had to do it the discs have come free without needing to take the tension off the shoes first but definitely, if the shoes have worn a lip into the old disc, you may well need to do this.

@greatgonzo, happy to help - the tool is definitely a handy gadget ;o)

greatgonzo

iTrader: (1)

Thanks!
Where is the back plate?

Gigsy

The bit the caliper bolts to.

djandyg

iTrader: (2)

Its the big black round disc shaped behind the disc. If you look at where the rear driveshaft goes into the hub, kinda just below that. Very thin wide rubber bung that pulls out, revealing a slot that you can get a screwdriver (preferably a bent tip one) into and turn the adjuster cog. Turning it one way will push the shoes out (tighten) and the other way will draw them in (loosen off). Remember to re-adjust it again afterwards when the new disc is fitted: Tighten it all the way up (you wont be able to turn it anymore and the disc will have locked up) then back it off a couple of cogs at a time until the disc is free and not binding, you may have to do this a couple of times until you get it spot on if your not used to doing it. Make sure the opposite side is adjusted correctly as well, you dont want one side gripping more than the other. The adjuster nut inside the car at the side of the handbrake handle should only ever really be adjusted in small amounts purely to remove the freeplay in the handle.
Shout if you get stuck

greatgonzo

iTrader: (1)

Cheers fella thats a big help.
I was going to do the discs next weekend but have now decided to do just the pads and then do the discs in the summer when I can spend a bit more time over it and not worry about the dark nights, rain and cold .So dont leave the country as I might need your technical help when I have a go

djandyg

iTrader: (2)

No worries - it probs sounds more technical than it actually is tbh haha