I started to get a significant rubbing noise on braking. It seemed to come from the front driver's side (rhd). The discs were thin, 0.95inches thick, so I bought new discs and pads. I could not push the discs back but did eventually remove them. They were, of course siezed and corroded - how did they continue to function? Anyway, when I removed the discs, the one next to the piston had zero friction material left!!! So, I have now bought replacement callipers and have fitted them. But, After bleeding the brakes, I cannot maintain a hard pedal. I am told that with ABS the old bleeding technique is not correct. Any suggestions?

 

From what I've read, the x300 brakes do tend to have a soft feel to them at the best of times. Generally, replacing the pads is straightforward enough, provided you press the piston back in to get enough clearance to install the new, thicker pads.

There is a "special tool" available for this, but most people, myself included, just use a G clamp and screw it back it. It's no harm to crack the relevant bleed nipple open, to release pressure and save your seals. Fitting a brake bleed hose/tube to the nipple and inserting into a jar of brake fluid minimises the risk of drawing air back into the system, thus creating that soft, spongy feel.

Ideally, brakes should be flushed and fluid renewed every two years, and the order is, starting with the calliper furthest from the master cylinder. So, on a RHD, rear passenger side, rear drivers side, front passenger side, then front drivers side.

Don't drain the brakes down. Just bleed and renew as you go, keeping the level in the reservoir high, so you don't draw air into the system. Ideally a two man job. One sitting in the car, pressing and holding the brake pedal, while you open the bleed nipple, top up the reservoir, close the nipple, etc. etc. until you start getting fresh fluid coming through.

 

Right, even when all's well these cars do not have a rock hard brake pedal....and sensitivity/awareness to pedal feel is always increased after brake repairs.

I'm not aware of any special bleeding tools or procedure; I've never done or used anything special on mine.

If in doubt pay a repair shop to use a pressure bleeder.

Cheers
DD