Re: brakes are a speed demon's best friend

[Iain Mannix <mannix@privateI.com>]

At 1:04 AM -0800 12/04/1997, Jason Brunberg wrote:
>Hey people!  Someone want to tell me if the Bentley has enough info on
>brake changes for the 16V?

Yes, but changing brake stuff is really pretty easy anyhow.  I've never
dealt with the rear discs, but I'd guess they're similar (except the
parking brake) to the fronts - front brakes are simple, be it pad
replacement or caliper replacement.  If you do pads, you need a 7mm(?think
it is 7) allen wrench - take caliper off, compress piston, I use big
channell locks, some pistons need screwed back in, but I think that's on
ABS cars(either way, it is easy), and then if you are replacing the
caliper, undo the brake line.  Don't let the caliper hang on the line, I
typically sit it on top of the rotor or wire it to the spring, place pads
back where they belong, put caliper over pads, bleed if necessary(pad
changes do not require bleeding), bolts, wheel, drive.  If you change the
calipers and lines, you'll need to bleed the brakes - easy, the Bentley
explains it well.


>	Yeah, so I'm wondering if I can rely on monsieur Bentley to tell me all
>the details.  Also, how difficult would it be for a person with no real
>auto-mechanical abilities to replace existing brake-lines with ones of
>the stainless-steel variety?  Oh yeah, and are there any brands that I
>should look out for, or stay away from?  Danke.

Some like DOT approved SS lines, I just don't like them. I have a set, but
I am afraid - seen way too many die prematurely.  Theory is that grit gets
into the braid and chafes until the lines fail.  Lots have had good luck
with them.  I currently use rubber, might try my set someday(the connectors
are all rounded on my fronts, don't want to deal quite yet).  Brings up an
interesting point.  Get brake line(flare nut) wrenches.  If you use an open
end wrench on the brake lines, you WILL strip them.  A flare nut wrench set
can be had for $10-15 at autoparts stores - not the nicest, but they work.
It is basically a six point closed end wrench with a slot cut out so you
can get over the line.  The critical ones are the metal ends - where the
metal meets the rubber/SS lines.  The "bolts" are hollow, so the line can
pass through the fitting - if you put pressure on two sides(a la open end
wrench), it crushes a bit, and easily - voila, rounded flare nut.  Bummer.
Get the flare nut wrenches, as well as a can of Liquid Wrench.  Use
liberally.  For the bleeder screws, be careful - repairing a broken one is
a hassle, and they are pretty easy to break off.  I use a closed end, six
point wrench on these, and tap gently with a hammer.  Still broken a few,
and it basically sucks when they break.  I guess if you are replacing the
calipers it won't matter.  Are your calipers bad?

>
>	And in case you were wondering, I'm taking the advice of some list
>members.  I intend to use new factory rotors, ferodo pads (if I can find
>em up here in the Great White North), and some of that Castrol GTLMA
>fluid inside them SS lines.

I like it, well, I'd be cautious of the SS lines, personally.  That's just
me.  I find my pedal feel to be just fine without them, but if you like the
idea, go for it(just watch them closely - had a brake line fail, it is not
fun, all of a sudden, you can't stop - takes a second to register, and if
someone is in front of you, that second might be too late).  The Ferodos
are great pads.  Castrol GT LMA is good fluid - thats what is in my DSP
GTI, no problems with fade(and we have a Solo Trials this weekend, hooray!
Eric Soltwedel is going, should be a lot of fun - Eric, you have to do a
Scirocco List writeup after the first Trials event for you - you'll have a
great time).  Anyhow, best of luck, get the flare nut wrenches, if you
don't, you'll most likely be sorry!  They are WELL worth the cash.


I.Mannix(and get a friend to help bleed the brakes, but make sure your
calipers are dead before you replace them!  No need to replace something
that is not yet dead.  Get the rotors turned, too....if they've never been
turned, chances are you can get more life out of them, and help your new
pads last that much longer....)

>	If I ever get any time, I want to go to town on my car.  There's so
>many things that have to be addressed.  Thank-you for your support...
>
>
>jason
>the mdma bastard
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