9-3 aero front pads

[silverthorn2151]

Going to change the pads this weekend, but after looking at them last weekend I have a couple of questions and things that are perplexing me.

1. I seem to need an E18 torx bit to undo the bolts at the back of the caliper. I presume that I undo two of them, but why am I having such a lot of trouble locating an E18 torx bit?

2. There seem to be some springs or pklates that are in the way of the caliper lifting over the pads. Do I remove those first.

I suppose I'm asking if anyone has a guide to doing these.

[E30M3SE]

If you are just doing pads you do not need to remove the E18 bolts, only remove these if you are removing the caliper carrier to change the disks as well.

To remove the pads remove the spring, remove the caliper pin/slide black dust covers and using a 7mm allen key or T45 torx bit undo and remove the caliper pins remove the caliper and lift the pads out of the carrier.

HTH

Edited by E30M3SE on Wednesday 6th April 16:40

[silverthorn2151]

That does help yes.

I have managed to get one side off. Turns out Eurospares gave me the wrong new pads! The ones on the car have springs on the back of each one.

I'll take them back and see about getting the rights ones tomorrow. They are a bit of a bugger for sureand I'm not looking forward to putting them back on!

[Slade Alive]

Amazes me that anyone would tackle replacing brake pads not knowing what they are doing. What may seem simple enough is not always the case. Brakes - why take a chance?

Pay a professional - they have such things as training, expertise, tools, public liability insurance.

[silverthorn2151]

What makes you think I don't know what I am doing. Just seeking advice is all.

And what makes you think that a garage does it correct?

[E30M3SE]

Here is a step-by-step on how to do the rear disks and pads, fronts are the same except the piston just pushes back and does not need to be screwed back in, ignore the bits relating to hand brake adjustment and disk removal.

[silverthorn2151]

That's them done then.

1st side 6 hours, other side 20 mins!

You have to remove two guide pins from the back which was made very difficulet because one of the brake pipes when fitted at the factory had been left obscuring the access to the pin.

As pads go, pretty awkward on the first attempt, but as I said, 20 mins for the other side inclkuding jacking up and removing the wheel.

If anyone wants more info let me know.