TOP 10 BRAKE CALIPER FITTING TIPS

Not only can damaging your old caliper by careless removal cost your surcharge, but incorrect fitting can also cause similar harm – wasting your time, potentially voiding your warranty and risking having your brakes not working properly. ▶ Retract the hydraulic brake caliper piston fully. Consult your workshop manual for specific instructions, because many designs require that you use a dedicated tool. ▶ Do not move the handbrake lever (where fitted) and always

keep the ignition switched-off. ▶ Locate the brake pads in the caliper, dependent on the design

– do not use copper grease, which can introduce problems. ▶ Check the condition of the fixing bolts to either the carrier or the hub, and tighten them to the specified torque value. Remove the bung protecting the port and fit the hydraulic hose. ▶ Check the clearance between the brake pads and the disc, which should measure between 0.25mm and 1.0mm. If the

setting is incorrect, remove the pads and adjust the piston outwards to adjust the clearance,

▶ Bleed the braking system to not only replace the old hydraulic fluid but also to purge it of any air bubbles.

▶ Tighten all bleed screws after bleeding has been completed, and pump the brake pedal five or six times. This allows the

caliper pistons to adjust themselves into their natural position.

▶ Where fitted, assemble the handbrake cable, or connect the EPB cable/wiring.

▶ Switch on the ignition and check that the EPB operates, if fitted. Alternatively, operate the handbrake several times and

ensure that the travel is not excessive. Usually, it should not be more than six clicks on the ratchet.

▶ After road-testing the car, check the brake fluid level again and top it up if necessary.