Changing the brake disks is an extremely easy addition to replacement of brake pads.

This article is a slot in extra to my articles on changing front and rear brake pads. When you fit disks, just as with pads, you must always replace them in pairs (both front wheels or both rear wheels at the same time). You should fit new brake pads with the new disks.

Things you will need:

		Everything I've listed on the brake pad pages
		A 14mm spanner or socket wrench
		An appropriate pair of brake disks

Installation:

(1) Read the instructions that came with the new disks - Mine came with an anti-rust coating that had to be cleaned off with white spirit. (2) Follow the steps on my brake pad pages until you have got the old brake pads out. (i.e. step (6) for front brakes), or step (13) for rear brakes) (3) Locate and remove the two 14mm bolts holding the caliper onto the car. (As in image - this shows a front wheel, but the rear wheels are very similar) (4) Carefully disentangle the caliper from the disk (5) Pull off the disk. If it's old and rusted on, this might need some gentle persuasion with a rubber mallet, but for me, the disks slid off with no problem at all. (6) Slide on the new disk. If you have directional (slotted or drilled) disks, make sure you use the correct disk on each side of the car - the manufacturer's instructions should make this clear. (7) Carefully slide the caliper back into position over the disk (8) Replace the 2 bolts to reattach the caliper to the car ...continue with the brake pad fitting instructions... step 6 (front) or step 13 (rear)...

Results:
Ooooh, shiny!

Fitting time:
When fitting brake pads, each disk only takes about 5 minutes extra to fit

June 2002

If you have any comments about this site, please email us. Our operators are standing by.