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DIY Break pads & Disc Change, how hard is it to do ?

2K views 15 replies 9 participants last post by  jesamel 
#1 ·
Hello

I have a 96 GT.
Things a bit tight, wondered how hard it is to change front disc's and pads, :confused:
 
#2 ·
Not too difficult but remember brakes is what stops you, so only tackle the job if you are confident with things mechanical. I changed mine by taking it steady and without too many problems.

p.s. There is an excellent guide on the "other" forum.

Rob
 
#4 ·
You will want a decent quality 'caliper rewind tool', which makes the job straight forward.

Changing the discs will require unbolting the calipers (or at least, it provide plenty of clearance to make it easy), so you will also need:
*torque specs for retightening bolts (eg: copy of workshop manual)
*torque wrench and other general spanners/wrenches
*suitable threadlock (Loctite)

:)
 
#7 ·
Agreed it's a straightforward and quite satisfying job :)

I used Laser's rewind tool for the rear calipers (model no. is 1314, comes with the right adaptor as standard and costs about £15) and had no problems at all.

Give everything (calipers, etc.) a good clean whilst it's apart as it's amazing how much brake dust gets stuck in the various crevices.

Also make sure you degrease your new discs before fitting.

Give new pads a trial fitting into the calipers before final reassembly to make sure they don't stick and a smear of copperslip on mating faces to help keep it all free.
 
#8 · (Edited)
There's a PDF based how-to on my website ... link in signature below.

BTW You don't need the wind=back tool for the fronts!!! They can be pushed back. If you are replacing the pads and discs then you can use a screwdriver or similar to lever them. Watch the reservoir level though as that brake fluid has to go somewhere. Then it's a 7mm hex socket or brake allen key and you can flip the caliper off.

Biggest issue seems to be getting hold of the right parts. A lot of websites and even Motor factors have a real mix of discs and pads for the 156/147/GT ... getting solid and vented parts mixed up ...

PS Did they make a GT in '96? ;)
 
G
#10 ·
It's true that brakes are what stop you but brake jobs are generally quite easy.

If you take some fluid out of the reservoir first it won't overflow. I keep a stock of syringes for this sort of thing.

Once everything is out of the way, you might find that the disc doesn't want to come off the hub. Double check that you've removed everything you need to then give it a good old whack with a big **** off hammer.

Give the mounting face a good clean to make sure the disc sits right on it. A wire brush in a drill is ideal for this.

Give it a go.
 
#13 ·
PS Did they make a GT in '96? ;)[/QUOTE]

Glad you said that - was wondering myself what GT was around in '96...didn't want to tell someone they don't know what their own car is!! Perhaps we can be enlightened - or maybe it's a typo and they meant '06 which is fair enough........:confused:
 
#14 ·
PS Did they make a GT in '96? ;)
Glad you said that - was wondering myself what GT was around in '96...didn't want to tell someone they don't know what their own car is!! Perhaps we can be enlightened - or maybe it's a typo and they meant '06 which is fair enough........:confused:[/QUOTE]

Could be .... after 'break' pads, anything's possible! ;)
 
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