DIY - Seeking for Advice - Im on a mission to replace my brake disk and pads.

[noonboots]

I'm all for DIY on cars but I do question starting the learning process on such an obviously safety related area of the car. If it were pads alone then yes perhaps but discs as well there are a few pitfalls that can lead to problems beyond the ability of a first timer or that create issues further down the line.

In that vein, its a funny world that won't let me legally work on the electrics or gas fittings in my own house but let's a total novice service brakes on cars that can accelerate to illegal speeds in a few seconds. For all our worries it's not often you hear of car accidents due to dodgy home repairs.

 

[LostKiwi]

In that vein, its a funny world that won't let me legally work on the electrics or gas fittings in my own house but let's a total novice service brakes on cars that can accelerate to illegal speeds in a few seconds. For all our worries it's not often you hear of car accidents due to dodgy home repairs.

True but they do occur. The worst I can recall was when 3 children died when the Land Rover they were in went into a canal.

 

[davidsl500]

Its all the silly little things you have to remember to tell people when they are new to DIYing - like cleaning the anti-rust coating off the disks before fitting or lowering the fluid level before retracting caliper pistons etc., Just things we do automatically but newbies might miss..

 

[Ron Clarke]

You should be able to find a youtube video of someone doing the disks and pads on your car, same model similar year. Take photos before you take anything off - that way you should put everything back the same way. Make sure you have correct tools, torque wrench probably the most important to make sure all goes back on properly. This is a simple job that just requires a methodical approach and a bit of common sense.

 

[kid-jensen]

If the disks don't need changing the job is 90% easier.

Don't replace them if you don't need to.

How do you know the disks are past the minimum thickness?

 

[Altamar]

I've only just found this thread so would be interested to know from the original poster how they got on.

The comments so far seem to fall into two camps. The first says "Ppfff, what could possibly go wrong?". The second is more cautious and I have to confess I fall into the latter.

To add some context, I was stripping and rebuilding engines when I was 16 (does anyone else remember the problems with OHC Ford and Vauxhall engines.....). But it was almost 30 years before I was confident enough to attempt brakes. If a car won't go, that's one thing, but a car that won't stop?

The answer to the first question, IMO, is loads of things! I now regularly change pads and discs on our and family cars BUT even this year I had problems with a VW Golf where the famous national parts supplier named regularly on this forum incorrectly supplied three sets of pads and two incorrect discs. Whilst they nearly fitted it was only my experience which said something wasn't quite right.

Yes, I could have taken the old ones off and physically taken them into the shop but there are so many other things to consider (some of which other posters have mentioned), not to mention the possibility of seals turning inside out when you push back the pistons and of course the need to turn (not just push) rear pistons.

And don't even get me started on electronic parking brakes....

So my advice to the OP is by all means learn new skills and there are loads of things you can do to save money - changing spark plugs, oil and filters, air filters, pollen filters, bulbs etc etc - but PLEASE don't start your car maintenance journey by working on brakes.

 

[d215yq]

Its all very well saying for people to start slowly and build knowledge which is ideal but for those of us without knowledgable parents etc its just not possible to gradually do something. Ive never needed brakes doing but when they need doing ill have to do them if i want to learn or ill not do them and not learn and be in the same dilemma 5 yrs later.

Not sure if its bad to learn the whole thing at once anyway. Atleast replacing pads and disks means you need to understand the whole thing and how the parts interact and thus have more chance of knowing if its right or not.

The first major diy job i did in my flat was a new bathroom. The second was rewiring it. In these two jobs i was forced to study and learn how it all worked from scratch which allowed me (particularly electrics wise) to study and learn exactly how every part worked and what the regs were there for and why, which i now know. I now understand that how i used to/many people still use extension leads/extend circuits etc is possibly dangerous, knowledge and understanding which can only be acquired by doing a complete project. Also the more you do at once the less bodges/ill fitting/warn in stuff from the past you have to worry about

So OP if youre methodical and careful and capable of checking your work and take extra time if needed go ahead. Learn/ask/understand the "why" for every step and double check along the way and it should be fine. But have some red lines as to when you would call a professional if it doesnt go to plan due to unseen circumstances...

 

[coventryslk]

Dear Merc Community,

As i mentioned in the title; I would like to replace my brake disk and pads on my own. I have no past experience on being a mechanic, but I'm confident that with the help of Google, YouTube and Our Forum Community. I will be able to figure it out and do it all.


Just a Little Back Story Of How I Selflearned In The Past.

About 9years Ago. I had no clue on how to building a computer and how its works. Did much reading, watch slot of youtube videos, google search again and again.

- I was able identify all basic components required.
- Ordered all my components from different website within UK and Overseas.
- I was able to put all the peaces together. Had few fails but it's ok, it's all part of learning process.
- I successfully built a powerful gaming computer from complete scratch.
- Learned different ways to modify both interior and exterior part of my pc.
- My gaming computer was later nominated as one of the best modified computer in www.overclock.net

So yeh! If I can do it building a gaming computer. Then surely, I'll also be able to figure out car upgrades.

My questions will follow..

I can help if you'rein the Midlands