Brake Time

[Khyron]

Rears are almost shot (fronts still have 50+ %) so I'll probably do them sometime this month.

C1 has the Zimmerman rotors packaged with PBR ceramic pads for around 240... I've been pleased with OEM brakes, they are strong enough for me and have lasted as much as expected, but they are about the same price.

So, stick with stock, buy the package above or is there a better suggestion? Looking for same performace with same or better longevity.

Khyron

[Simon]

Re: Brake Time

what part is almost shot? the rotor or the pad?

If its just the pad get a nice set of aftermarket pads like Mintex red box. If its the rotors too, then do aftermarket. OEM rear brakes are craptacular and wear out super quickly.

[Khyron]

Re: Brake Time

Pads are definately within a few mms of the metal screecher, but how do you tell if a rotor is worn? VW typically doesn't turn rotors and just replaces them whenever doing pads ($$$ perhaps, but it's not uncommon).

I would of course much rather just replace the pads as long as it's a safe option.

Khyron

[Simon]

Re: Brake Time

then just get some new pads from Simon or something, I think he carries EBC or Mintex. Both are low-dust compared to OEM so your wheels will stay cleaner longer too!

[Tuna]

Re: Brake Time

then just get some new pads from Simon or something, I think he carries EBC or Mintex. Both are low-dust compared to OEM so your wheels will stay cleaner longer too!

He can also get the PBR's too (a bunch of different models), in fact I think the ones I just bought were the PBR ones.

[GTIguy]

Re: Brake Time

you need a special tool to turn the caliper piston back into its bore. the rotor can be changed without removing the bracket though. crack the bleeder screw when you do it so you dont push crappy fluid back into the system.then flush it. bleed. enjoy.

[Tromping_Maniac]

Re: Brake Time

you need a special tool to turn the caliper piston back into its bore. the rotor can be changed without removing the bracket though. crack the bleeder screw when you do it so you dont push crappy fluid back into the system.then flush it. bleed. enjoy.

I don't believe you do need a special tool for pushing the piston back into the bore of the caliper. I've done both front and rear pads on my car and have just used a c-clamp without any problems.

[GTIguy]

Re: Brake Time

well being a technician on european cars for the last 10 years, reading and following many manuals. not to mention doing this job 1000 times, who am i to argue with an enthusiast.

almost everything said here indicates to me that there is some know-how about the braking system, no real knowledge. i thought i'd lend a hand since i have the knowledge and know-how.

those 2 little v shaped grooves you see when the pads are out accomodates a special tool. the tools tabs lock in them and force out on the outboard side of the caliper, enableing you to turn in the piston.

i guess theres the right way and the "other" way.

[Flanders]

Re: Brake Time

yeah, good luck getting the rear pistons in with just a c-clamp. You can get a little tool from CDN tire (kind of a little cube-shaped thing, with holes for your ratchet, and bumps that go into the notches in your caliper piston) that does to the trick though. Just have to push and rotate to compress the piston in...

[Tromping_Maniac]

Re: Brake Time

yeah, good luck getting the rear pistons in with just a c-clamp. You can get a little tool from CDN tire (kind of a little cube-shaped thing, with holes for your ratchet, and bumps that go into the notches in your caliper piston) that does to the trick though. Just have to push and rotate to compress the piston in...

I have been using a C-clamp and found that it is tough, but eventually gets the job done. But since I don't do more than 1 brake job a year that "special tool" would not be utiized enough to be worth while.

GTIguy since you have all the knowledge and know-how what is the name of this "special tool" so that users don't look like idiots in Cdn Tire going "Hey, I need a special tool".

[Flanders]

Re: Brake Time



search the Canadian Tire website for Disc Brake Piston Tool. At the store, it's in the isle with all the little red "Help!" packages...This one fits on your ratchet, so you just stick it into the notches in the piston, and push "in" while you rotate your ratchet. If I remember right, it was well under $20 and makes the job much much easier!

[Khyron]

Re: Brake Time

From what I've read, the fronts can be compressed with a C-Clamp, but the rears have a turning piston. If you just use a C-clamp, the auto-adjusting part of the caliper will be destroyed. Still works, just won't auto-adjust.

Someone posted that you need to file off two of the nubs on that cube tool - did you have to do that Flanders? The special VW one is about 50 bucks and since I have an old supra as well I'd like a tool that can do both. I bought a bleeder kit as well for like 9 bucks from princess.

Khyron

[Boy Racer]

Re: Brake Time

Oh, btw. For you I recommend against getting the Ceramics, Metalmasters would be a better choice for a street driver.

[Flanders]

Re: Brake Time

Someone posted that you need to file off two of the nubs on that cube tool - did you have to do that Flanders? The special VW one is about 50 bucks and since I have an old supra as well I'd like a tool that can do both. I bought a bleeder kit as well for like 9 bucks from princess.

Khyron

I think you're right. I didn't have to grind 2 of them off, but I had to grind the corners down a bit so it would fit better in the notches in the piston. Sorry, this was 2 years ago I've used this thing a half dozen times since then though, on my car and on others!

http://www.ottawa-vdubbing.com/info/...akes/index.htm

[GTIguy]

Re: Brake Time

i want to start by saying that brakes are one of those things that if done incorrectly, the potential loss of life increases. with this much concern and questions about what parts to use ane how to do it, makes a guy feel as if something needs to be said. the braking system has come a long way in the last couple decades. with that said, i also know of the rising costs of repairs and troublesome dealers can be tough to handle, and as an enthusiast, wanting to learn and do your own repairs is part of it too. all the power to you, its great.

no one's meant to look like an idiot.no one's taking a jab at anyone, discrediting their knowledge.

anyways, there are about 4 or 5 different tools out there for this caliper job. i like to use the MAC one but $$$$$.fits everything on the road. nice work finding the links and pics for this.good advice from others too. modding is fun but should remain safe too.

P.S. what i do have is experience. i wish i had "ALL" the knowledge and know-how. unfortunately i dont. i just have some. some i thought i'd share.and we all know how valuable experience is.

just think about the high school kid installing wheels at Wal-Mart!

oh ya...nice site.