2007 Vantage Roadster Advice on replacing Handbrake Pads

[Purclewan]

Hi guys,

Just brought my 07 Vantage Roadster out of Winter retirement and starting to prep it for the summer. After taking it out for a short warm up, I noticed a slight rattle from the drivers side rear wheel. Quick check showed the handbrake pad with no meat!

Checking the passenger side the pad was fine. I'm assuming the bad pad has separated from its metal backing at some stage but what ever caused it, it now needs replacing. I'm thinking of doing the job myself but wondered if anyone had any experience of doing this?

I would appreciate any feedback or advise on best source's for parts and any particular issues I might have during replacement. I'm assuming at this stage that the job is no more difficult than a brake pad replacement.

Thanks,

Purclewan.

[SS972]

Similar to the Jag S Type pads http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JAGUAR-S-TYPE-ELECTRIC-H...

[BamfordMike]

The pad swap job is simple enough as long as handbrake cable adjusters are not seized, which in my experience and given the history you provide is about 50/50.

From dealer pads approx £79, cable £370 and fitting of pads with wind out of pistons and TLC to handbrake calliper 2hrs, fitting of handbrake cable is advised driver seat removal and 2/3hr job

If it needs a cable I wouldn't want to do the job without car on ramp but can be done

[Purclewan]

BamfordMike said:

The pad swap job is simple enough as long as handbrake cable adjusters are not seized, which in my experience and given the history you provide is about 50/50.

From dealer pads approx £79, cable £370 and fitting of pads with wind out of pistons and TLC to handbrake calliper 2hrs, fitting of handbrake cable is advised driver seat removal and 2/3hr job

If it needs a cable I wouldn't want to do the job without car on ramp but can be done

Thanks for the prompt replies guys, seems there is a chance I may not be able to do this myself without a ramp. Is there anyway of checking the handbrake cable adjusters condition without putting it on a ramp or do I need to get right under the car? Does anyone have any idea of Dealer prices.

I would normally have the car serviced by The Aston Workshop at Beamish (Highly recommended) but they are over a hundred and twenty miles away and I don't feel comfortable driving that far.

[BamfordMike]

Purclewan said:

Thanks for the prompt replies guys, seems there is a chance I may not be able to do this myself without a ramp. Is there anyway of checking the handbrake cable adjusters condition without putting it on a ramp or do I need to get right under the car? Does anyone have any idea of Dealer prices.

I would normally have the car serviced by The Aston Workshop at Beamish (Highly recommended) but they are over a hundred and twenty miles away and I don't feel comfortable driving that far.

You have to get under the car to try and move the adjusters

its a £79.99 pad purchase at your local dealer and try the job yourself, or put the car in at local dealer for the pads and if it needs it, a cable. I would of thought the hassle of the drive and cost of petrol would really be not that different to your local dealer doing the job compared the Independent you mention? if it was on the doorstep a relative no brainer.

[Purclewan]

BamfordMike said:

You have to get under the car to try and move the adjusters

its a £79.99 pad purchase at your local dealer and try the job yourself, or put the car in at local dealer for the pads and if it needs it, a cable. I would of thought the hassle of the drive and cost of petrol would really be not that different to your local dealer doing the job compared the Independent you mention? if it was on the doorstep a relative no brainer.

Thanks for that, appreciate the feedback. My handbrake works smoothy enough and the cable "feels" like is is operating well. I shall try dragging my portly frame under the car tomorrow if the weather improves and see what I find on the adjusters...

Oh! Should perhaps have mentioned, I live on the West coast of Scotland. My nearest Official Dealer "Leven Motors" is also over a 100 miles away in Edinburgh. I only use Aston Workshop as they are an approved Aston Martin Service center and they have given me excellent customer service in the past plus they charge a fair price.

Purclewan

[BamfordMike]

Purclewan said:

I only use Aston Workshop as they are an approved Aston Martin Service center and they have given me excellent customer service in the past plus they charge a fair price.

Purclewan

I know some of the fellows there and indeed they are a fine bunch, but the new Newcastle dealer is the only approved centre in your neck of the woods, anyone else is just as approved as Halfords is. The garage you refer did not renew / continue its service centre status

[Manwhoneverwas]

Purclewan said:

Thanks for that, appreciate the feedback. My handbrake works smoothy enough and the cable "feels" like is is operating well. I shall try dragging my portly frame under the car tomorrow if the weather improves and see what I find on the adjusters...

Oh! Should perhaps have mentioned, I live on the West coast of Scotland. My nearest Official Dealer "Leven Motors" is also over a 100 miles away in Edinburgh. I only use Aston Workshop as they are an approved Aston Martin Service center and they have given me excellent customer service in the past plus they charge a fair price.

Purclewan

There is now another option in the West of Scotland for getting Aston Martin repairs / servicing done.
I used them last Friday and they replaced the faulty Bluetooth module in my Roadster.
Send me a PM via Pistonheads if you are interested

[Purclewan]

BamfordMike said:

I know some of the fellows there and indeed they are a fine bunch, but the new Newcastle dealer is the only approved centre in your neck of the woods, anyone else is just as approved as Halfords is. The garage you refer did not renew / continue its service centre status

Hmm! Did not know they had not renewed. Shame, I enjoyed visiting if only to spend time wandering around looking at the various old Astons being restored. As you say, good bunch of guys.

Weather today is very changeable and generally wet so looks like getting under the car is going to have to wait.

Edited by Purclewan on Monday 2nd May 12:22

[Purclewan]

Manwhoneverwas said:

There is now another option in the West of Scotland for getting Aston Martin repairs / servicing done.
I used them last Friday and they replaced the faulty Bluetooth module in my Roadster.
Send me a PM via Pistonheads if you are interested

Email Sent. Thanks.

[Manwhoneverwas]

You have an email reply

[Gazza450]

You mention an alternative AM service specialist in the West of Scotland. I am not aware of anyone that specialises in Aston in Scotland other than Leven, can you share the name of this specialist with us please?

[Manwhoneverwas]

http://www.martinsastonservices.co.uk/

[Gazza450]

Thanks for the link, I'll drop in and see them soon. Interested to see what the charge for servicing and the all important clutch which I don't need at the moment but am dreading at some point!