Glad you got it all done

PS it will be easy next time!!!

Cheers
34by151

 

Steve, sort of a side bar, had tires changed and there is some sensor on I think the suspension. If it gets knocked you'll find the cruise control doesn't work. I couldn't figure out why a tire change would do that then read and found we just needed to reposition it and all was fine. Changing the EPB ( electric parking brake) is a real pain. Mine died and I had to have the rear sub frame assembly dropped to get access to replace it.

I'm sure I'll refer to your post and others when I am due a brake job. How often are they needed?

 

It took me about 8 times too. I was just about to give up when, it came into spec.

 

Yes, Grio; they are the ABS sensors, one on each wheel. On my 04 R, the ones in the front are held on by metal clips, & the rear by a small bolt.

Not to long ago, I got the error message that the cruise control didn't work. Upon examining each sensor, the last one I checked, the right rear, had a crack in it. I suspect a rock, or something, bounced off the axle & cracked it.

They are fairly accessible; so, I cleaned each one when I did the brake job.

 

So enthused with your discussion of ABS sensors that I forgot to answer your question. Honestly, I don't know how often to change the pads and rotors. at 30,000 miles the the original brakes started squeaking; So, I asked that all pads and rotors be changed. The garage convinced me that I didn't need to change the rear rotors.

I just turned 60, 000 miles, heard some squeaking & the rear rotors were a mess. The fronts were fine; however, I changed all rotors and all pads except the parking/emergency brake pads. Excessive, but I like to KISS(Keep it simple stupid). Had I thought of it when I placed my order for pads & rotors(Eurosport & Akebono), I would have replaced the parking break pads; however, they weren't showing any wear.

I think brake replacement intervals is largely a function of driving style.

 

Glad you got it sorted Steve!
I have made a start on my rear brake refresh. Managed to get the main brake caliper pins out eventually after lots of hammering. Including chipping the fresh caliper paint .

The caliper bolts loosened nicely, unfortunately the handbrake caliper bolts are solid and I am afraid they might sheer off.
Have ordered a torx bit to remove the front half of the caliper the same way you did.
Did the handbrake pins and clip pull out, once the caliper had been split?

My pins are incredibly rusty, really I would love to but new ones on, but it would cost £70 for both sides! Did yours have any rust?



Thanks,
Alec

 

Alec, that was my issue: I could have gotten more torque on the caliper bolts, but I was reasonably sure they would break.

The torx bolts came off quite easily & I slid the front part of the caliper off with pins, etc. I found that it was quite easy to put the caliper back on. Be sure to use the needle-nose pliers to turn the piston clockwise to get it so that it will allow you to get the pads on.

The most difficult part was getting the parking brake calibrated. I removed fuse at least 8 times, turned on the ignition to clear & went through the calibrating process.

However, the end result is a car that rides like new. Just to be on the safe side, you can always take a photo of the caliper; or, just do one side at the time. I've gone to photographing.

You will also have to knock the rear rotor off with a mallet. I hit it on 4 points until it popped off.

Good luck with it!

 

Many thanks Steve! Will try again once the torx bit arrives.