DIY Satisfaction

JimmyPop

Senior member
 Glasgow
I took the brave pill and decided to change my rear brake discs and pads myself. The car went through its MOT about a month ago and I was told they were down to 25%. Seeing as I've since hooned around Dumfries on the Moffat meet I thought I would be best changing them before Applecross. In the end I decided to go for MTEC drilled/grooved black edition and Pagid pads.

I'm quite chuffed I managed to do it myself - first time I've tried it. The Haynes manual was a good help as was the video that's been floating around on this forum (can't remember who it belongs to - sorry!). The only problem I had was loosening the handbrake enough to get the discs off, but patience followed by a few sweaty words paid off! Apart from the scuffed knuckles, I'm pleased I did it myself rather than pay someone else. :D
 
Well done mate, always a good feeling when youve saved yourself a few bob :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
 
Go get a beer now then...

I changed the discs and pads on the rear of the van last weekend. Had to borrow the F-in-L's tool to wind the piston back though and luckily had him standing over me giving guidance for the duration. Still plenty of sweary words from both of us when we then changed the oil and filter on the van - absolute bastard of a location of the filter, grrrrr...
 
Nice one, brakes fixed at a discount with a free Haynes manicure thrown in, scuffed knuckles and dirty nails :thumbsup:
 
Taz x said:
good effort, after you did it did you think it was not such a big job

Exactly, I think it was more the fear of doing it!

I actually spent more time trying to find a 7mm Hex that would fit - I bought one off of eurocarparts but it wouldn't fit due to there not being enough clearance. Ended up having to drive around the south side of Glasgow trying to find somewhere that sold them - ended up in Maplins of all places!

EDIT: Ewazix - it was your guide I mentioned in my original post! Thanks again!
 
well done mate. do you need any special tools other than spanners and screwdrivers etc? this is not the sort of thing id try but am inspired to give it a go now........
 
List of equipment I used:

Jack and axle stands
Torque wrench
Flatblade screwdriver to remove retainer spring and to fiddle with handbrake mechanism (most frustrating bit! :headbang: )
7mm Hex for calliper guide bolts and 6mm Hex for brake disc retainer bolt
16mm spanner for calliper assembly bolts
Rubber mallet
Copper grease and solvent for cleaning discs.

Would definitely give it a go - read/watch the online guides and I'd strongly suggest buying the Haynes manual which will talk you through it.
 
cheers jimmy :thumbsup: id need to get hold of a few items but like the idea of giving it a go - enhancing my relationship with the zed even further :)
 
nice one Jimmy its a doddle, did mine in the new year when we had a decent day, took more time getting the tools out and jacking up the car than it did changing them .... gave me the confidence to follow the excellent guides on here to remove and replace the rear bumper... that was a doddle also.... once again well done :thumbsup:
 
Well done Jimmy :thumbsup:

I've never changed anything more than a wheel in my time that's remotely mechanical... However I am now inspired to give this a go when it needs done. Or maybe sooner as my discs are looking a bit shoddy :evil:
 
I do indeed - although my hands look like they've been attacked by a cheese-grater!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
JimmyPop said:
I do indeed - although my hands look like they've been attacked by a cheese-grater!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Thats worrying given your profession :rofl:
 
Well done mate, you'll have to let me know how get on with the pads / discs, had a quick look at the Mtec website and the prices seem pretty reasonable bit more than OEM but still less than EBC etc whole load of cheapies out there when you start looking at fleabay.
Still can't figure what you did with 7mm allen key though, I've heard them mentioned before and did mine without one (maybe why my pad disintergrated).

And whoever came up with that Handbrake adjustment needs shooting in front of his family. :fuelfire:
 
Used the 7mm Hex to take the calliper off of the calliper assembly. Might not be a necessary step but I was following the Haynes manual religiously!
 
Bradders75 said:
You've just inspired me to order a Haynes manual from Amazon. :thumbsup:

Nice one! Probably more relevant to your car as it's a 6-cylinder, but definitely a worthwhile purchase!
 
SWMBO said:
Bradders75 said:
You've just inspired me to order a Haynes manual from Amazon. :thumbsup:

Nice one! Probably more relevant to your car as it's a 6-cylinder, but definitely a worthwhile purchase!

Sorry, using the other half's laptop and just realised I was signed in as her!
 
Back
Top Bottom