Changing brake pads on ceramic discs

[huesey1974]

Hi,
Has anyone DIY’d changing pads on carbon ceramics? I have a 2013 DB9 and would like to do it myself. I have done this on many steel disc cars with no issues. My worry is how to push the piston in, usually lever it between pad and disc but wouldn’t do that with ceramics. Any info appreciated .
Thanks

[JeremyH5]

No idea, but be careful not to drop a wheel on the edge of a disc. Chip easily and expensively! As I’m sure you know. Not sure I would want to try it, I’ll get a dealer to do it when the time comes and rely on their honour to do the right thing or, failing that, their public liability insurance in the event of damage.

[AM-DB9]

huesey1974 said:

Hi,
Has anyone DIY’d changing pads on carbon ceramics? I have a 2013 DB9 and would like to do it myself. I have done this on many steel disc cars with no issues. My worry is how to push the piston in, usually lever it between pad and disc but wouldn’t do that with ceramics. Any info appreciated .
Thanks

I too have a 2013 DB9 with CC brakes and will be curious to follow along on your journey to change out the pads.
How many miles are on your pads?

[indigochim]

huesey1974 said:

... My worry is how to push the piston in, usually lever it between pad and disc...

Have a look for a caliper windback tool. There's a variety to types so find the one you need. The seals in your caliper will thank you for it even if doing it on standard discs.

Autodoc, a German parts supplier, do some great videos on how to replace the parts they supply. You might not find on for your car but they may do one for an Audi or other car with ceramic discs.

[huesey1974]

Hi,
Thanks for the replies, my pads have 26k on them. Still have life yet but was told there were some light cracking on them and will be best replaced in the near future. The other thing is they squeel at low speeds and heard the RSC1 pads are better. Anyway will update when i pull the trigger.
Cheers

[M1AGM]

I’d recommend speaking to one of the independent servicing companies about the correct bedding in process. BR did mine after I was sold the car with unbedded pads.

[AM-DB9]

huesey1974 said:

Hi,
Thanks for the replies, my pads have 26k on them. Still have life yet but was told there were some light cracking on them and will be best replaced in the near future. The other thing is they squeal at low speeds and heard the RSC1 pads are better. Anyway will update when i pull the trigger.
Cheers

I can attest to the low speed brake squealing.
I can't swear to it but the last time I washed the Aston (I cover the wheels to keep chemicals off of the CC brakes) I used my De-ionized water system to spray down my brakes, since then I've had no low speed squealing (over 700 miles so far).

[huesey1974]

AM-DB9 said:

I can attest to the low speed brake squealing.
I can't swear to it but the last time I washed the Aston (I cover the wheels to keep chemicals off of the CC brakes) I used my De-ionized water system to spray down my brakes, since then I've had no low speed squealing (over 700 miles so far).

Actually every time i wash my car i get 3-4 days of no noise but slowly it returns.

[p102768]

Same, when the brakes start squeaking on my Virage I know it is time to wash the car!

It is odd though that I can put the car away in the garage with the most ear pitching squeak as I edge it in but it is quiet again next time I drive it.

[CSK1]

The brakes on my DBX707 started to squeal and curiously after some torrential rain we had, the squealing has stopped ever since.
I’m always cautious not to spray chemicals on the wheels and to rinse them with clear water.

[AM-DB9]

Interesting...
Both DI (Deionized) water, that i use, and rain water are usually less then 10ppm TDS (Total Dissolved Solids).

[huesey1974]

I am also careful not to spray anything on mine apart from water, nothing special just the Karcher from the mains. Strange how it goes away for a few days.