Rear brake discs & pads on 1.8 S/99

[cinman2003]

I've got to replace my rear brake discs as the advisory on last year's MOT mentioned they were pitted. Is there anything I need to be particularly aware of when doing this job, as I presume they're reasonably straightforward floating discs that come off when I remove the wheel - off with the old and on with the new ... or am I confusing the easiness with another brand of car?

Any advice for things I should look out for or beware of would be much appreciated.

[towcestervag]

you need a tool to rewind the handbrake part of the caliper

[cinman2003]

Ahh now that's interesting ... wouldn't have know that ... thanks. Any idea what that tool's called, so I can look out for one?

[angus]

Ahh now that's interesting ... wouldn't have know that ... thanks. Any idea what that tool's called, so I can look out for one?

Theres quite a few about, your local factor or ********* will stock them, I paid about 13 quid for one, just ask for a caliper or piston winding tool.

One other thing, when winding back the piston slacken off the bleed nipple to let the excess brake fluid escape, it makes it easier and won`t cause any damage elsewhere in the system.

[davlin]

you need a tool to rewind the handbrake part of the caliper

If you don't have a rewind tool it is possable to rewind the piston in using a pair of rounded vice grips or waterpump pliers pliers and pushing in as you turn clockwise or if you have a frien use a 6 inch g clamp with the back end against the nut at the rear of the caliper and the screw end in the piston. Your friend tightens the g clamp while you turn the piston using the vice grips. I'm just to miserable to buy the proper tool but it works I done it on Saturday for my MOT. be sure not to nip the rubber boot. The same calipers are used on the Renault softtop.

[cinman2003]

Ahh yes, memories of summer evenings spent pushing back cylinders with a large flat-bladed screwdriver, jemmied against the disk ... hmmm ... how little I knew then

[cinman2003]

I've seen on eBay a pair of rear discs and pads, for £35 including postage. Now I know they're not genuine parts, but how bad do they need to be to not be worth £35? Has anyone bought these brand new cheapies off eBay and if so what were your experiences?