Changing top mounts, disks and pads

[dinkus 10]

Ok guys, my weekend project is to do the front top mounts, brake disks and pads.

 

I've got the top mount kit from GSF that includes the mount, bearing and nut (apparently), VAG disks and Pagid FR pads.

 

So what my spanner man wants to know is...

 

Is there definitely a top to the strut to retain the spring when it's off the car? Or do I need to use spring compressors before I take it off the car?

 

Which bolts need replacing out of strut-hub, carrier-hub, carrier-caliper? Or any other various bits I should be aware of first? Loctite/lube on bolts? Circlips?

 

From previous posts, it sounds like an investment in some super heavy duty cable ties is worth considering too.

 

Wish me luck :D

[VR6 0]

The strut will come off in one piece so you can replace top mounts without spring compressor .... not too sure about bearing though.

 

Either the fronts or the backs aren't very tightly sprung though so you may be able to compress them with the help of a friend to change the bearing. Sorry my memory is hazy - someone will be along shortly to help :)

[MoonlightVR 0]

You'll need spring compressors on the front as to take replace the bearing you'll have to release the spring.

[dinkus 10]

Yeah I've got spring compressors I can use once the strut is off the car, I just want to check that it'll come off in one piece without removing my teeth :) It's a pig to get the compressors on the springs while they're still on the car, but I'd rather know that I need to do it before I start.

[coullstar 0]

You dont need the compressors till the struts are off the cars. Basically undo the top mount nut, then the two strut/hub nuts and the whole shabang can be removed.

[dinkus 10]

Good stuff, thanks coullstar. That was what I was hoping :)

[Roger Blassberg 0]

Make sure you have bought new disc-locating screws (the countersunk cross-head ones that keep the disc located onto the hub). They are very often seized and need to be drilled out. If that happens you need to drill and re-tap the hole and put in a new screw, or better still, turn the disc to another position, locate it exactly with at least 2 wheel bolts, and drill/tap a new hole in the drive flange. Try not to run the drill through the cv joint boot though..........

 

It's a misery trying to line up wheel, hub and disc holes all at once without the locating screw holding it all together, especially on a dark night on the hard shoulder in the pouring rain .

 

The carrier to hub bolts can be VERY tight. They are best removed by an impact wrench because they don't apply out of plane forces to the suspension components - just torque into the bolt. I eventually got mine undone with lots of heaving on a long bar, but the effort actually bent one of the lugs on the hub, so that when I came to put it all back together the bolts wouldn't line up properly. At this point I gave up and gave it to my long-suffering specialist who did a bit of old-fashioned blacksmithery on it with big hammers whilst I wasn't watching.

 

Best wishes

 

RB

[dinkus 10]

Oooh you make it sound like so much fun :-(

 

I've got a full set of tools including some rather large breaker bars and impact sockets, but nothing to re-tap screw holes with. I really hope they're not ceased up, but I guess there's only one way to find out.

 

I think I'll get some new bolts anyway, because it's got to be better to put new bolts back in.

 

Thanks for the tips though

[dazzyvr6 0]

both my disc locating screws have sheared off,i dont find it hard to line the disc/hub/wheel bolts up,the carrier bolts are tight but not that tight you can remove them with a little bit of force,im sure its a 17mm bolt...and you dont need spring commpressors tochange the top mount

[dinkus 10]

both my disc locating screws have sheared off,i dont find it hard to line the disc/hub/wheel bolts up,the carrier bolts are tight but not that tight you can remove them with a little bit of force,im sure its a 17mm bolt...and you dont need spring commpressors tochange the top mount

 

Good stuff, thanks dazzy. I'll try and be careful with the locating screw, but if it shears, it shears. I could try some penetrating oil on it, but I get a bit jumpy about having any kind of oil near brakes!

[Scruffythefirst 0]

The locating screws should be easy enough to get undone, just need a good screwdriver and a big hammer.

[dinkus 10]

The locating screws should be easy enough to get undone, just need a good screwdriver and a big hammer.

 

I guess your internet is working now then :D

[Scruffythefirst 0]

No, but my dad's is. Hence why you saw me flying out past tesco's :lol:

 

I've got a full set of tools including some rather large breaker bars and impact sockets,

 

Ahem :shock:

 

And I havent bought the impact sockets yet....

 

Oh and hello everyone 8)

[dinkus 10]

Ahh ok :)

 

The GSF fairy came at lunch (he was quite butch for a fairy) so parts ahoy for the weekend :D