Brakes...assistance!!!

[phillyd]

Anyone have experiance doing disc or drum brakes?

How can you tell if it needs new disc's?

Also, does anyone know how to "adjust" drum brakes...is it all dependent upon the vehicle?

This would be on a '96 Tacoma 2wd, disc in front, drum in back

I am trying to decide if I am going to attempt to do it myself (possibly w/ some help) or pay a shop.

Let me know what you think. :shock:

thanks.

[Jess]

drum brakes kinda suck.

Disc brakes are easier than easy. If it shudders when you brake hard, time for new discs (or get your old discs resurfaced). If the brake pad material is worn down substantially, time for new pads. Pads will also squeal telling you they need to be replaced. New pads have ~1.5cm or so of friction material. I usually replace them when they get down to about 3mm. After a bit of practice, you can change pads in about 2 minutes per caliper. If your brake fluid is dark in color, might as well bleed the system and put fresh stuff in. For that you'll need 2 people.

[phillyd]

drum brakes kinda suck.

Disc brakes are easier than easy. If it shudders when you brake hard, time for new discs (or get your old discs resurfaced). If the brake pad material is worn down substantially, time for new pads. Pads will also squeal telling you they need to be replaced. New pads have ~1.5cm or so of friction material. I usually replace them when they get down to about 3mm. After a bit of practice, you can change pads in about 2 minutes per caliper. If your brake fluid is dark in color, might as well bleed the system and put fresh stuff in. For that you'll need 2 people.


any special tools for disc's?

brake fluid dark? if you dip you finger in it and its maroon or dark red...it that OK? it definently NOT black.

[Jess]

Not sure what the actual service interval is for hydraulic fluid. if its not black or dark brown, I wouldnt worry about it.

For the discs, you'll want to pick up a caliper spreader tool which is about $6-$8

If you dont have one already, having a breaker bar will make opening the caliper a bit more easy but its not required.

Sometimes removing the rotor can be a pain. if its held on to the hub with phillips head screws, you may need a special screwdriver thing to remove them. I got one, but all my bits are busted (from removing rotors)

[phillyd]

Not sure what the actual service interval is for hydraulic fluid. if its not black or dark brown, I wouldnt worry about it.

For the discs, you'll want to pick up a caliper spreader tool which is about $6-$8

If you dont have one already, having a breaker bar will make opening the caliper a bit more easy but its not required.

Sometimes removing the rotor can be a pain. if its held on to the hub with phillips head screws, you may need a special screwdriver thing to remove them. I got one, but all my bits are busted (from removing rotors)

this would be if I need to change the rotors? if I don't then no worries?

[Jess]

right, but you will need the caliper spreader to do the pads regardless

[WiggiE]

right, but you will need the caliper spreader to do the pads regardless

No you don't.....just use a C-clamp.

BTW, disc brakes are easier than Kenny's mom. Drum brakes aren't hard, just a pain to do the first time.

[Jess]

yeah, a C clamp would work fine as long as you have single piston calipers

[WiggiE]

yeah, a C clamp would work fine as long as you have single piston calipers
True, I've never worked on multiple caliper brakes.

[phillyd]

yeah, a C clamp would work fine as long as you have single piston calipers
True, I've never worked on multiple caliper brakes.


I am not sure with out looking, do you think I have a single caliper?

[CPMaverick]

hehehe, yeah most cars have a single caliper per wheel. :lol:

Pretty sure he meant piston, it can be tough to tell from the outside sometimes if its a multiple piston caliper, especially if you are unfamiliar with brakes.

I just stick a screwdriver in there and spread the caliper that way, before I remove it. Usually works great and is a lot faster than a c-clamp or caliper spreader.

[WiggiE]

hehehe, yeah most cars have a single caliper per wheel. :lol:
Woops, yah that was a misstake.

That would be a dope ricer mod though. :lol:

[Matt Harris]

I've actually seen a B5 passat that had 2 stoptech calipers per front wheel. Pretty crazy. That's some serious kraut-rice.

[phillyd]

So, back to the brakes...
first of all I have no idea what the hell I am doing...I got looking at them and there is 4 bolts, I think. Two (2) of these bolts are on the caliper, I am assuming these are the bolts that must be taken off. If I am correct about that then I have a second question...how do I get a bolt loose that is very very tight.
If anyone has had a successful run at replacing disc brakes, I will probably be trying to replace mine tomorrow. I could use your experiance if you got an hour to spare. I know alot of people are out of town, but let me know if you can help.

Thanks,

phil

[Jess]

i MIGHT be able to help some tomorrow. With most cars, you only need to un-do one bolt so the caliper can 'swing' out then you can replace the pads. If you're replacing the rotor, you will need to undo both bolts to take the caliper off.

[CPMaverick]

Not trying to be an ass, but you should either have a good manual or you should know what you are doing, do not attempt if you are 0 for 2. I'd love to try and help but its hard to explain something to someone who is so clueless. Again no offense meant by this but you need a manual. Hopefully Jess or someone else can help you in person.

[WiggiE]

Brakes aren't hard, but it's not worth the risk if you don't know what you are doing.

[Jess]

I got a lot of bodywork as well as some work-work to do, but might be able to squeeze you in. Gimme address so I can mapquest it. If you're not comfortable posting it here, just PM it. thx

[phillyd]

Not trying to be an ass, but you should either have a good manual or you should know what you are doing, do not attempt if you are 0 for 2. I'd love to try and help but its hard to explain something to someone who is so clueless. Again no offense meant by this but you need a manual. Hopefully Jess or someone else can help you in person.

I hear you...I agree about the manual...I almost bought one about 2 weeks ago, but I am probably going to try and sale the truck once I get a few things on it fixed and was trying to put as little $ into it as possible. I do appreciate the heads up.

Thanks,
Phil

[phillyd]

I got a lot of bodywork as well as some work-work to do, but might be able to squeeze you in. Gimme address so I can mapquest it. If you're not comfortable posting it here, just PM it. thx


1425 Opelika Rd #55
Auburn


Starr's trailer park, right behind blockbuster vidoe (where Chappy works)
call my cell 707-0582 if you get some spare time.

thnaks man,
phil

[phillyd]

i MIGHT be able to help some tomorrow. With most cars, you only need to un-do one bolt so the caliper can 'swing' out then you can replace the pads. If you're replacing the rotor, you will need to undo both bolts to take the caliper off.


Brakes are done...
Thanks Jess, you make it look so easy!!