Changing Brakes

[ThePsychicBunny]

Hey guys,

I have a 306 cabriolet 2.0 (automatic) which I think is awesome but the brakes need changing.

I know they do due to the fact it really isn't stopping.

You guys know how easy it is to do myself? I'm a COMPLETE amateur when it comes to cars but kinda want to be a bit DIY with this one. Also should I change them all or will front/back be ok?

Cheers.

[stevoxsi]

Originally Posted by ThePsychicBunny

Hey guys,

I have a 306 cabriolet 2.0 (automatic) which I think is awesome but the brakes need changing.

I know they do due to the fact it really isn't stopping.

You guys know how easy it is to do myself? I'm a COMPLETE amateur when it comes to cars but kinda want to be a bit DIY with this one. Also should I change them all or will front/back be ok?

Cheers.

Changing pads usually isn't difficult. You should change the fronts together and/or the backs together.

[onetimepc]

You may want to be a tad careful if you’re saying the brake pads need changing because 'it really isn't stopping'. There could be an underlying problem that is outside the range of the amateur mechanic. You can get free brake tests done at many garages which you might want to do.

A good give away that the pads do need changing however is if you get a rubbing/grinding noise when you brake.

The second thing to do is to check the brake pad thickness by taking the wheels off and inspecting them. Anything less than about 3mm and i would think about changing them. Doing this will give you a good idea whether you need to change front/back or all of them.

As mentioned by stevoxsi, always change the pads in pairs, both front OR both back pads together.

finally, changing brake pads in theory isn't a difficult jobs but i would recommend being particularly careful when undoing the bolts on the calliper. In the past i've managed to sheer the head of a bolt on the calliper which turned a 20 min job into half a days work. get yourself a haynes manual if you don't have one and follow the instruction they give.