Replacing pads and disks

BananaRepublic

Nobbie1967 wrote: »

I presume VW commented on the pads when you had it serviced. In that case get the pads changed. If they didn't mention the discs, then presumably they are well within spec, so why waste money replacing them? Take to Halfords and get the pads done and ignore any comments about the discs needing doing as clearly VW would have mentioned it if they did.

My reasoning is that the pads and disks have done a good mileage, I'll only need one change during my ownership, so I may as well get both done, and have 'new' brakes.

BananaRepublic

takman wrote: »

I would just do it yourself, it doesn't take long and is easy to do. Just watch a few vidoes on youtube and you won't have any problems.

Interesting idea. I will look into that, thanks. I heard the rear drums are hard, but the disks are easy. I am good at DIY, but have hardly worked on a car and do not have any special tools.

Andrew1472

BananaRepublic wrote: »

Interesting idea. I will look into that, thanks. I heard the rear drums are hard, but the disks are easy. I am good at DIY, but have hardly worked on a car and do not have any special tools.

Only do it yourself if you have something better than the wheel changing jack.
A car with no wheels falling off the jack will seriously ruin your day, or worse.
When it happened to me there was no warning. Fortunately the wheels were still on and it just scared the life out of me.

mark5

Ask VW about 3 plus and if they will do them cheaper than that price.

Richard53

BananaRepublic wrote: »

Interesting idea. I will look into that, thanks. I heard the rear drums are hard, but the disks are easy. I am good at DIY, but have hardly worked on a car and do not have any special tools.

If you've got a basic mechanic's tool kit and a manual, the job isn't hard on most cars. However, if you haven't done much work on vehicles, then the braking system is not really the place to start learning. One mistake here could cost you more than you bargained for. I've been working on my own cars and bikes (strictly amateur) for 40+ years, but I still check and double-check *everything* if I have been working on the braking system.


No reason not to have a go, but perhaps get someone who knows their stuff to help you, or at least check it all over before you put the car back on the road. It worries me a bit that someone might watch a couple of YouTube vids and then proceed to take apart the most critical safety system on the car.

takman

Richard53 wrote: »

If you've got a basic mechanic's tool kit and a manual, the job isn't hard on most cars. However, if you haven't done much work on vehicles, then the braking system is not really the place to start learning. One mistake here could cost you more than you bargained for. I've been working on my own cars and bikes (strictly amateur) for 40+ years, but I still check and double-check *everything* if I have been working on the braking system.


No reason not to have a go, but perhaps get someone who knows their stuff to help you, or at least check it all over before you put the car back on the road. It worries me a bit that someone might watch a couple of YouTube vids and then proceed to take apart the most critical safety system on the car.

Braking systems are really very simply and watching a video on YouTube really is all the information you need to change disks and pads. There isn't much you can get wrong if your paying attention and take your time.

BananaRepublic

Andrew1472 wrote: »

Only do it yourself if you have something better than the wheel changing jack.
A car with no wheels falling off the jack will seriously ruin your day, or worse.
When it happened to me there was no warning. Fortunately the wheels were still on and it just scared the life out of me.

What would you recommend? I did change a wheel once, and it was easy peasy. The jack seemed secure, but your comment does make sense, precaution is good.

Andrew1472

BananaRepublic wrote: »

What would you recommend? I did change a wheel once, and it was easy peasy. The jack seemed secure, but your comment does make sense, precaution is good.

Something like http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-763620-Axle-Stand-Tonne/dp/B000WTHL42/ref=pd_vtph_263_bs_img_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=048HEK3F8HSK8QDR47QH

Chock the wheels you are not working on. Jack the car up and carefully position the stand somewhere capable of taking the weight without damaging the car. Avoid getting under the car as much as possible until they are in position then gently lower the jack.
Have a read of paragraph 2 at http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a3663/4283377/

Sorry for being a bit negative. You can probably tell how much it scared me. I still hate jacking up cars 30 years later!

parking_question_chap

Suggest phoning around a few indis and asking them if they would quote to fit parts that you supply.

£429 id daylight robbery for a cambelt on an up. Indi should do the job for £300 absolute maximum.

My local garage only does weekdays. Worst case scenario is I walk the 2 miles to work and back for that day. Much better knowing you are getting a good job at a fair price.

Scrounger

Andrew1472 wrote: »

Something like http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-763620-Axle-Stand-Tonne/dp/B000WTHL42/ref=pd_vtph_263_bs_img_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=048HEK3F8HSK8QDR47QH

Or use a big block of wood to take the weight (that's what I do) :eek:

Scrounger