Brake Upgrade Cont.

Thanks to you chaps who kindly responded to my brake upgrade post. Every little bit helps, it's great to hear your point of views and the information helps to reassure me that I'm going in the right direction...

Anyway, I'm planning on upgrading the brakes mainly because it looks like I could get the cheapest disks and pads for about 30-40 quid and the most expensive set for about 100, which aint much difference for a bit more bite.

So, tonight's questions are:

  1. The bolts holding the caliper on to the hub are kind of star shaped jobs. What's the technical name for them and does anybody know what size I'd need?

  1. The chrome on the caliper pistons is coming off with corrosion underneath on some of the pistons on the one side that I've taken the pads out of. I'm going to need new pistons. I've noticed a vented disc upgrade where you seem to split the calipers and put a spacer in between. Is this straightforward? If I'm goung this far, would it be worth going vented?

Thanks in advance, David

1988 90 HT 2.5 Petrol (Later type brake calipers)
Reply to
dacawa
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I'd hazard a guess that they are TORX bolts

Reply to
Hirsty's

if they are the same bolts as used on defenders and disco's, then they are nothing fancy, just bi-hex. 1/2" bi-hex af socket is the right fit. Badger.

Reply to
Badger

Arrrrgghhhhhhhhhhh!!!! They are NOT torx bolts - they are just bog standard "multipoint" ones and only require a normal multipoint socket. Exactly which size they are depends on the age of the vehicle.

If only there was an FAQ for this group, this question would be No.1, underlined and in bold!

Richard

Reply to
beamendsltd

Badger and Richard already answered this one, most likely 1/2" bi hex, make sure whatever you use FITS TIGHTLY and is FULLY ON because if you mess these heads up you have big problems removing things. They are on fairly tight as well and will probably require a breaker bar rather than a ratchet. Use locktite when refitting. If not it very good conditition buy new ones.

Before you think about going vented let me point out that you're possibly going to need new hoses, brackets, nuts, pipes etc if you start removing calipers because some of these parts may be seized. It will add up quickly and you'll end up with a mostly new brake system. Regarding vented, personally wouldn't bother, your brakes when restored to factory standard will be excellent and your braking problem will be lack of grip rather than inability to slow the wheels. You'll probably split the calipers anyway if you change the pistons so I wouldn't worry too much about that.

Regards

William MacLeod

Reply to
willie

Just be careful not to use a loose-fitting socket even if it is the 'right' size. Use one that is a good snug fit - even snug to the point of having to be tapped on with a hammer.

These bolts do corrode and if you damage their heads before they have been loosened you will have a problem on your hands.

If planning to complete the job the same day it may be a good idea to have spare bolts to hand for replacements.

Reply to
Dougal

On or around Wed, 18 Jan 2006 00:10:46 +0000 (UTC), "Badger" enlightened us thusly:

IRTA tight fit - which is true, since they're 13mm. But a 1/2" will hammer on nicely and makes sure it's not slack.

Reply to
Austin Shackles

...and Badger spake unto the tribes of Usenet, saying...

They are, and it is.

Reply to
Richard Brookman

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