Hello,
Quick update from my original post after fitting new pads all round today (bl**dy cold on the hands!!)
- Factory fitted front pads were Pagid not Brembo and rear pads were ATE.
- Went for Brembo pads all round (P85 110 - for front - £65 and P85 184 for rear - £58)
- Brake pad wear sensor (OEM P/N 8J0615437) is £58 from the dealer so went with Bosch instead (P/N BOSCH - OE-AP862) much better at £10.24.
- Front pads were quite straight forward to fit and only one wear sensor fitted to UK drivers side / RHS. No 'special tools' needed, just remember to open the expansion tank lid before compressing calipers using a compression tool (I covered it with a rag to protect the nice shiny bronze paint
).
Now for the more interesting part of my day - the rear calipers......
- Firstly you need to make sure the gearbox is in park but the 'E-brake' is not engaged and the ignition off.
- Next remove the retaining spring, gentle tap out pins and then unbolt the two retaining Allen key bolts - its a bit tight on the top bolt if you use a standard size 1/2" socket around the flexible hydraulic hose - ideal if you have a 1/4" socket.
- Next the caliper and old pads can be removed - make sure you don't let the caliper hang by its hose
- If you don't have the OBD tool / software to put the handbrake in service mode / fully retract the caliper (I don't) then the following work around worked for me.
- There are two small Allen key bolt securing the gear assembly which can be removed then carefully separate the top section - its plastic and there is a spindle within so take your time and make sure you pull apart straight - gently place the cover to one side (wiring plug still attached).
- You then turn the exposed spindle CLOCKWISE until it stops and gently put the cover back on
- Then using a brake winding caliper tool, the piston can be wound back in to allow new pads to be fitted.
- Just be careful with the caliper tool as none of my 24 piece tools fitted - in the end i had to lightly file the inside face of the larger 'European' fitting (lug to lug is about 30mm whereas the standard two pin is about 28mm) - after this no drama
- Fitting is just a reverse of the disassembly - again gently pump the brake pedal after each side is complete - make sure you screw the reservoir cap back on!
- Might be worth taking a picture before you start to show spring orientation etc.
Once you are all done I started the engine and after a few more pumps of the brake pedal I engaged the parking brake - after the whirring noise the car reported a hand brake issue / report to workshop message...waited a couple of seconds, released the E-brake and re-engaged it again but no warnings this time. Been for a short drive and no issues, squeaks, rattles or signs of binding and no issues with hill start E-brake.
Certainly saved quite a lot of money doing it myself and know care and attention had been done fitting them.
Hope this helps
Chris
