help!! installing brake pads
09-02-2005, 12:30 PM
#1
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help!! installing brake pads
Alright, well I've got to install new pads before I go to the dragon next week. Problem is, they wont be here until Tuesday due to the holiday, and I leave at 5:30am Wednesday. Now I've changed brake pads before on other cars, and it's a pretty straightforward process, but I just want to make sure I have all my bases covered:
Am I going to run into any problems with just a decent socket set and an impact wrench in my toolbox?
Do I need shims, spacers, brackets, lube of any sort?
Has anyone else run into any complications doing this?
Any help would be appreciated, as I don't want any delays in leaving for NC next week...better yet, I dont want to find out I didn't install the pads correctly while I'm flying towards an ungaurded cliff at some ludicrous speed. They are Hawk HPS btw, both front and rear sets.
Am I going to run into any problems with just a decent socket set and an impact wrench in my toolbox?
Do I need shims, spacers, brackets, lube of any sort?
Has anyone else run into any complications doing this?
Any help would be appreciated, as I don't want any delays in leaving for NC next week...better yet, I dont want to find out I didn't install the pads correctly while I'm flying towards an ungaurded cliff at some ludicrous speed. They are Hawk HPS btw, both front and rear sets.
09-02-2005, 12:37 PM
#2
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I think this might help you out, since I have not had to do a pad change on the 8 yet.
http://www.hi-impact.org/ryang/modify/modify.html
Look down towards the bottom there are DYI instructions for quite a few things. Great resource.
Have fun in the mountains!!
http://www.hi-impact.org/ryang/modify/modify.html
Look down towards the bottom there are DYI instructions for quite a few things. Great resource.
Have fun in the mountains!!
09-02-2005, 01:11 PM
#4
Metatron
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Calipers......
Fronts are REAL easy, loosen the bolts, but leave the top one in place - lift frontwards to free the pads, you might need to push the piston back in a little (just use two thumbs) slide the new ones in and bolt up.
But stuck is what you'll be without one of these little beauties to "screw" the rear piston back in......
S
But stuck is what you'll be without one of these little beauties to "screw" the rear piston back in......
S
09-02-2005, 01:42 PM
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No, use a needlenose pliars on the rear screws. You can hold the pliars open about 1" and put the ends in the slots and rotate the screws. They turn pretty easily, so its not bad at all.
09-02-2005, 01:43 PM
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09-02-2005, 02:39 PM
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09-02-2005, 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by StealthTL
Fronts are REAL easy, loosen the bolts, but leave the top one in place - lift frontwards to free the pads, you might need to push the piston back in a little (just use two thumbs) slide the new ones in and bolt up.
But stuck is what you'll be without one of these little beauties to "screw" the rear piston back in......
S
But stuck is what you'll be without one of these little beauties to "screw" the rear piston back in......
S
09-02-2005, 04:42 PM
#10
The Professor
Originally Posted by StealthTL
....caliper compressor WILL NOT work, you need the little tool above. (or, as suggested, you can ruin a perfectly good set of needlenose pliers, too 
)
S
)S
When I did one caliper with the needlenose I ended up making dents in the soft metal of the caliper. Now my rx8 is sad
09-04-2005, 01:18 AM
#17
Originally Posted by olddragger
good info thanks. I have 23000miles, 5 track days and one autocross on mine so i figue i better change them before i go to the track again in 3 wks!
olddragger
olddragger
How in the hell do you get 5 track days out of your brakes? ?
Are you sure you use them? I'm lucky to get two with racing pads.
09-04-2005, 09:49 AM
#18
Yep, i use them. Just ask the guys! All track days so far where at Road Atlanta and it has some fast straights that you go from approx 125 down to 50-60. One thing is you have to do is let the brakes cool. AT RA there are places that can be done. It is also better to late brake so the time the pads are actually on the rotors is diminished therefore giving them more time to cool. Heat does affect wear.
RA is also a track that you can use 3nd gear a lot so the engine can be used to slow the car some. Really on RA for me there are only 3 turns that the brakes have to be used hard for any big drop in speed. Turn 6, turn 10 (oh my god!) and turn 1. The rest are not that hard on the brakes.
However for the upcoming event of 2 track days at Roebling I have ordered some carbotechs panters for the front and bobcats for the back. Been communicating with DPE (by the way a really great vendor, very helpful with their experience on the track with the 8 and unbelieveable service---- seriously) and I am going with their recommendations. I will swap out the fronts for some bobcats for street use.
olddragger
RA is also a track that you can use 3nd gear a lot so the engine can be used to slow the car some. Really on RA for me there are only 3 turns that the brakes have to be used hard for any big drop in speed. Turn 6, turn 10 (oh my god!) and turn 1. The rest are not that hard on the brakes.
However for the upcoming event of 2 track days at Roebling I have ordered some carbotechs panters for the front and bobcats for the back. Been communicating with DPE (by the way a really great vendor, very helpful with their experience on the track with the 8 and unbelieveable service---- seriously) and I am going with their recommendations. I will swap out the fronts for some bobcats for street use.
olddragger
09-04-2005, 09:23 PM
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Originally Posted by epitrochoid
does anyone have part number?
Disc Brake Piston Tool
Sears part #00946344000
09-05-2005, 11:19 AM
#23
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yea i just went to the tools section at autozone, and it was right there. thanks for postin the picture, I probably never would have found it. its called a Disc Brake Piston Tool
09-05-2005, 01:42 PM
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Basic tools a hammer and a c-clamp you will need these. I use the hammer to knock the pads into place and The c-clamp to push the piston back into the caliper. Should take you about 10 mins 
C-clamp does the same job and more and might even be cheaper.
Originally Posted by epitrochoid
yea i just went to the tools section at autozone, and it was right there. thanks for postin the picture, I probably never would have found it. its called a Disc Brake Piston Tool
Last edited by priscilla ls1; 09-06-2005 at 10:34 AM.