Changing front discs, pads and centre box

[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.

[jasper5]

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.

[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?

[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

[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

[Busman]

I manage fine with a 3/8 drive and breaker bar. But I am quite heavy and strongish.

[Gary406]

ye sometimes the 3/8 isnt tough enough and snaps. had one snap before ..

[Busman]

I have seen it bend quite a bit....

[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...

[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!

[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).

[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!

[omega]

only thing i can think off is that when you take the wheels off check the brake pipes.