Rear brake pad change- tools needed

[NickXX]

Hi all,

I'm going to change my rear pads at the weekend and just wanted to check what tools I'll need. I've done them lots of times on BMWs, where you need a big g-clamp and a 7mm Allen key. Are there any specific tools I'll need for a V8 Vantage?

I understand I'll need a tool to knock the pins out, but will I need a calliper winding kit or anything else?

Grateful for any other tips! The YouTube videos make it look easy, but just want to make sure I'm fully prepped.

Lastly, my wear indicator hasn't come on yet, will I be able to re-use the sensor?

Thanks,
Nick

[steveatesh]

hi I did mine last year.
No special tools required you do not have to wind back the callipers. The pistons retracted easily using a suitable lever being careful of course not to damage the calliper finish.

Easy job in fact!

[gilbo]

The wear indicators are very hard to remove without damaging them, but not only that, the pads can be worn virtually to nothing before the sensor actually wears through. They will have been grazed by the disc but rarely do they wear through enough to illuminate the light. No 'special' tools needed though.

[old phart]

Easy job with no special tools. But go ahead and start searching for threads related to brake squeal for after you finish the job

[Sump]

My brake squeal was caused by the outer lip on the disc not letting the pad seat properly.

[steveatesh]

My brake squeal went after a couple hundred noisy miles. Mrs Steve hated it!

[NickXX]

Thanks guys- where's the best place to buy a new wear sensor? Would an ECP part be ok? I've got the Pagid pads to fit already.

[mrpseudonym]

NickXX said:

Thanks guys- where's the best place to buy a new wear sensor? Would an ECP part be ok? I've got the Pagid pads to fit already.

If the sensor has not been triggered you can reuse with a little care. Don't forget the DynaGrip squeal free or similar, and the bed in procedure..
Rick Fraser at BMG is a good source for pads and wear sensor leads. Easy job.

[SL500UK]

Rick Fraser at BMG supplied my Pagid pads and sensors at trade price. No DIY for me but my local garage fitted all 4 for £99 with zero squeal from day one.

[Tim Ward]

Only need to wind back the pistons on the handbrake calliper if you are changing the handbrake pads. Tim

[Quinny]

This video might help.....it's the fronts, but rears are the same procedure

http://youtu.be/uETpOF80Cc8

[NickXX]

Thanks a lot for the help guys. Did this this afternoon- the hardest part I found was jacking the car up! I ended up fashioning some pads for the sills with bits of wood, then raised the front of the car with a scissor jack until the rear was high enough to get a hydraulic jack underneath.

Took no more than 15 mins a side, and no squeal! I found that it was very easy to reuse the sensors if you carefully pry them out with a flat head screwdriver.