Replacing Front Pads.

[Johndouglas]

Last week I needed to look at kfk's write up on replacing front pads on the C5. He mentions the need for a tool to wind back the caliper pistons. Previously on Xantias and BXs a piece of square steel could be used, but because of the piston face on the C5, the flat steel won't fit. However I made up this:-

 

 

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/Johndug/sides010.jpg

 

The two prongs fit into the piston end and using a screwdriver through the loop, the loop end can be leaned on, pushing the piston back. It's easier if the bleed valve is opened first. Also a chalk mark on the caliper edge helps for relocating the nib on the rear of the pad.

[coastline taxis]

Or you can use a 3/8th extension bar as it fits perfecy into the slot then use a ratchet to decide which way to turn the piston

[paul.h]

Does anything need to be done to adjust the pads once they are installed ? I have noticed on mine if I keep a foot on the pedal and keep lifting the handbrake lever then the pedal keeps moving down although it is over a year since I last had the pads out for cleaning. Compared to other cars I seem to need more effort on the pedal and it seems spongey - I had the dealer bleed the brakes recently but they found nothing wrong since I had though air or adjustment could be the problem.

[Johndouglas]

Does anything need to be done to adjust the pads once they are installed ?

 

Initially it takes quite a bit of pumping on the pedal and pulling on the handbrake to get the pistons back out again but once done they don't need any more adjusting. Since I was opening the bleed valves, I took the opportunity to change the brake fluid. It hadn't been done in five years.

 

Ten days later I took the car for MOT and it passed OK so the brakes must have been satisfactory.

[DaveHerns]

Wouldn't you wind the calipers back in just enough so the pads fit ? Any more and you're taking up the slack using the self adjustment

My other car is a Rover P6 3500s so handbrakes working on disc brakes is a common thread

[Johndouglas]

Wouldn't you wind the calipers back in just enough so the pads fit ?

 

In theory, yes. But wouldn't it take a lot of tries?

[Guest roffey]

Just thought I would add a note relating to a 2009 C5 estate, might help the data pile.;)

The handbrake is rear pad operated. ( electronic model)

Use the main menu (left hand roller click)to defeat automatic handbrake.

 

Be prepared for longer than usual times to replaces all the pads.

 

Torx size is a T55 to remove calipers. Make it a good quality because these are difficult to remove with very little room to get good leverage.

Fronts are not wind in.

Rears were both right hand.

Getting the inside front pads in, which have a 3 pronged spring squeezing inside the piston core is not deep joy, be prepared and patient. ( swear words optional)

I could not see any way to remove the rear caliper without smoothing the disc lip. The pad lugs recess into the caliper body. Maybe second time round I will see what I missed! (learning curve)

 

Definitely release fluid when retracting the pistons. Dot 4 fluid. Top up before, then on pedal depressions.

 

Pads purchased from justpartsbiz.co.uk - mintex (fronts approx £25).