New disks and pads

[gninnam]

Brake pad warning light came on a week ago so decided to change the pads.

Got them this morning from GSF and then set about changing them.
Decided that the discs have seen better days so bought a set of these.

OK - read all the previous posts about the bolts holding the calipers on and being a bitch to get off, but noticed that the caliper on the outside is held in with a couple of nuts - could I just undo these (they are like larger allen key style nuts - about 12 MM across I think).
If I could get this off, then the outside pads will just fall out and I'm sure the brake disk will also come off.

Should I do this??

Cheers

[motn]

The disc won't come off with the carrier still surrounding it - you will have to tackle the very difficult carrier bolts!

I quickly realised human strength wouldn't get mine off, so I ended up using a breaker bar with the end touching the ground, then lowered the car so that the car's weight would undo the bolt.

[PsYcHe]

Big spanner... Big Hammer on the bolts at the back

I assume the D2's similar, but the D3 caliper bolts go on at 190Nm (or big belt with a hammer).

Interestingly, the D3 rear disc will come off with the caliper mount still on.

[gninnam]

Cheers guys.

Seeming that the pads have plenty of live left in them, I think I will avail myself of my friends garage when he comes back off his hols and use his more manly tools (if you know what I mean).

[graynada]

Can anyone confirm that the carrier bolts are 18mm? Just it's a non standard size and I don't want to tackle it with the wrong socket

[PsYcHe]

I think they are from memory, though maybe 19s. And they usually need a good smack to get them off...

I usually do the bottom one first as it's easy to get to, then knock the caliper carrier a bit to loosen the top one off.

[Dezzy]

Originally Posted by graynada

Can anyone confirm that the carrier bolts are 18mm? Just it's a non standard size and I don't want to tackle it with the wrong socket

They are definatly 18mm. I use a old ratchet and take a hammer to it. Just make sure you do them up tight enough

[47p2]

A six sided socket is the best for this as it is less likely to slip and damage the head of the bolt.

[graynada]

Thanks guys and I was thinking six sided socket might be best.

[PsYcHe]

Or one of the big spanners from Halfords (not the staff!) to save your ratchet.