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Changing front discs, pads and centre box
Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 11:34 am
by leestudd30
A mate is going to change them in the new year, what kind of specific tools are needed? I've already got clamps and stuff to fit the new exhaust.
Re: Changing front discs, pads and centre box
Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 1:48 pm
by jasper5
leestudd30 wrote:A mate is going to change them in the new year, what kind of specific tools are needed? I've already got clamps and stuff to fit the new exhaust.
You will need a T55 torx bit, preferably 1/2 inch drive, along with a breaker bar or extention tube for a 1/2 inch drive ratchet for undoing the bolts holding the brake caliper brackets on......these torx bolts can be very tight.
Re: Changing front discs, pads and centre box
Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 3:41 pm
by leestudd30
Thanks for that, will make sure he's got them! Didn't realise the middle box pipework was so long, its sat on the rear and front seats to fit in the car lol. Am I right in thinking the front section of it bolts to the cat?
Re: Changing front discs, pads and centre box
Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 4:21 pm
by Gary406
i found a wire brush was also handy . and a small file. the calipers can get a lot of rust build up so will need to be filed back smooth so the pads slide freely
Re: Changing front discs, pads and centre box
Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 9:12 pm
by Gary406
i bought this set specially for taking the front calipers off
any decent 1/2" drive ratchet should do the trick with this T55 socket bit . but dont even attempt the job without the T55 torx bit on a 1/2" drive socket bit you will have no chance
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255215
or you can buy the single
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165469
Re: Changing front discs, pads and centre box
Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 7:52 pm
by Busman
I manage fine with a 3/8 drive and breaker bar. But I am quite heavy and strongish.
Re: Changing front discs, pads and centre box
Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 8:21 pm
by Gary406
ye sometimes the 3/8 isnt tough enough and snaps. had one snap before ..
Re: Changing front discs, pads and centre box
Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 8:25 pm
by Busman
I have seen it bend quite a bit....
Re: Changing front discs, pads and centre box
Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2012 8:07 am
by EDWARD757
First time I had a go, the toolkit torx bit snapped straight away - bought a solid bit off ebay for £3.00 ish delivered. Clean up the pins and other components before dismantling and before refitting. quite straightforward.
The centre pipe I bought for £70 (including Cat) and had a guy fit as I remember someone saying once never try exhausts yourself - always an absolute ballache, you need to go under the car and a pro will get the job done for a few quid.
have fun...
Re: Changing front discs, pads and centre box
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 11:13 am
by leestudd30
Can I ask, what exactly is a breaker bar? My so called mechanic friend is a bit scared there may be too much rust and he wont be able to get the bolts off!
Re: Changing front discs, pads and centre box
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 12:52 pm
by Doggy
Got mine undone with a 3/8 drive T55 bit, 3/8 x 1/2 impact reducer and 1/2 breaker bar. Did flex a bit, then went with a real loud 'crack'.
(but not as impressive as the ones we do at work, where you can clearly see the sparks).

Re: Changing front discs, pads and centre box
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 2:55 pm
by leestudd30
Thought of something else! Is it likely that anything on the car might snap/break when doing the discs/pads? I'm pretty certain the wheels haven't been off for over 2 years and the last bill for brake pads at the front is from 2008!
Re: Changing front discs, pads and centre box
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 4:14 pm
by omega
only thing i can think off is that when you take the wheels off check the brake pipes.