Brake pads too thick?

jbrodin

jbrodin

Zorg Addict
Supporter
Joined
Feb 27, 2022
Points
48
Location
Epsom, Surrey
Model of Z
Z3 2.2 SE
Hi everyone

I got a MoT advisory about ‘Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin inner and outer pads - caliper noted as binding slightly’. The brake pads were very thin indeed and I ordered new ‘Eicher Premium Brake Pad (Rear)’. When I was going to replace the pads I noticed that the pads on the Offside were still quite thick. I managed to remove them after some bending, but the new pads did not get into place. They are thicker than the old ones and I can’t get both of them into place. May they be too thick or am I doing something wrong?
I think I need to replace at least one of the calipers, the one that was binding slightly. Do you think I need to replace the other one too since the pads on that side looked rarely used?
IMG_3356.webp
 
Sounds as though the calliper piston is not pushed fully in and looking at the slider pins that would confirm it. With the piston pushed fully in you should not be able to see the shiny part of the slider pin. You may well find that the side where the pads are stick quite thick the piston is also sticking slightly.

Tony.
 
Had a similar issue, heard the noise and looked through the wheel to see a very scored disc, the irritation being the pad without the wear sensor.
When I took it all apart three pads looked about 6 months old and the forth had no material on it at all.
Sticking caliper diagnosed on one side, seemed to be a gouge in the pad track stopping the pad from backing off.
Threw it all in the bin and replaced the lot, discs, calipers, hoses and of course pads including the handbrake ones.
That sorted it all out.
DD
 
t-tony said:
Sounds as though the calliper piston is not pushed fully in and looking at the slider pins that would confirm it. With the piston pushed fully in you should not be able to see the shiny part of the slider pin. You may well find that the side where the pads are stick quite thick the piston is also sticking slightly.

Tony.
Click to expand...
Thanks Tony. I think both callipers are quite rotten so will probably buy new ones.
 
Dado said:
Had a similar issue, heard the noise and looked through the wheel to see a very scored disc, the irritation being the pad without the wear sensor.
When I took it all apart three pads looked about 6 months old and the forth had no material on it at all.
Sticking caliper diagnosed on one side, seemed to be a gouge in the pad track stopping the pad from backing off.
Threw it all in the bin and replaced the lot, discs, calipers, hoses and of course pads including the handbrake ones.
That sorted it all out.
DD
Click to expand...
Yeah, I‘m considering replacing the lot too now. Do the handbrake have separate pads? Where are they located?
Where did you buy your parts?
 
The parking brake shoes are mounted inside the drum portion of the rear brake discs. Have a look on YouTube for some videos if you have no idea.

Tony.
 
You would have been better off undoing the slider pins and taking off the caliper body that way, and if you don't want to tackle refurbing them yourself there are people like these around that'll happily take your money for doing it. Nothing to do with me, but I have used their kits several times in the past.
www.biggred.co.uk

Bigg Red

A leading UK Brake Caliper Component Specialist
www.biggred.co.uk
 
Can't remember where I got all the bits it was a case of google till I found the right bits at the right price, most stuff came next day.
Did look at a refurb job but the time lag of posting stuff out and waiting for returns didn't fit in with my schedule, wasn't a lot more money buying new as opposed to refurb anyway.
 
First things to remove are the slider pins. Leave the carrier on the hub (or remove and descale them) and make the pads good fit.

Tony.
 
the Nefyn cat said:
You would have been better off undoing the slider pins and taking off the caliper body that way, and if you don't want to tackle refurbing them yourself there are people like these around that'll happily take your money for doing it. Nothing to do with me, but I have used their kits several times in the past.
www.biggred.co.uk

Bigg Red

A leading UK Brake Caliper Component Specialist
www.biggred.co.uk
Click to expand...
Nice. I had no idea I could remove the slider pins like that.
Considering refurbing the calipers myself now :D
 
Mine are not that bad. Should be fine to refurb. If I can figure out how to remove the piston without compressed air…
I changed calipers on a Volvo recenty. On that, if the brake pedal was engaged, no brake fluid came out from the hose. Is it the same with the Z3 or do I need to clamp the hose closed?
 
Use a stick or similar to hold the brake pedal down about halfway, the fluid cannot run out of the reservoir. Avoid clamping rubber hoses if possible on any car.

Tony.
 
jbrodin said:
If I can figure out how to remove the piston without compressed air…
Click to expand...
Simples. Undo the slider pins, lift the caliper off, and pump the pedal till the piston's just about out, then either clamp the hose or jam the pedal a bit down. One at a time is probably best, but both can be done at the same time given enough clamps. I've done them by myself in the past, but it'll help if you've got some form of assistant. Changing the seals is easy, and just how far you go with cleaning the body and covering it with some nice lairy paint is up to you. That BiggRed place isn't the only one to do kits, have a google around. And if you do cock things up you can always give up and send them away.:whistle:
 
the Nefyn cat said:
Simples. Undo the slider pins, lift the caliper off, and pump the pedal till the piston's just about out, then either clamp the hose or jam the pedal a bit down. One at a time is probably best, but both can be done at the same time given enough clamps. I've done them by myself in the past, but it'll help if you've got some form of assistant. Changing the seals is easy, and just how far you go with cleaning the body and covering it with some nice lairy paint is up to you. That BiggRed place isn't the only one to do kits, have a google around. And if you do cock things up you can always give up and send them away.:whistle:
Click to expand...
Thank you. That was a very good tip. The pistons pretty much jumped out of the calipers. Ordered parts now and will hopefully have the car off the jack stands the coming weekend. :D
 
Finally done! The project grew a bit. I meant to just replace the rear pads and one caliper, but it ended with two refurbished and painted calipers, new discs and handbrake shoes too. 😅
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top