Peugeot 406 Coupé
New brakes and number plate arrived for Christmas!
2003 PEUGEOT 406 COUPÉ
After checking the last MoT report I noticed that the only advisory was the deteriorating rear number plate. So to head that issue off at the pass, I had one ordered and delivered within a week. I also knew that the rear brakes were on their way out, so I ordered some rear brake pads (£12.38) and a pad fitting kit (£10.72). Once arrived I set to work with tools in hand and song in heart.
With the aid of my dad, I applied the handbrake and put the car in gear – we didn’t want the 406 rolling away! Dad opened the bonnet and loosened the brake fluid reservoir cap, laying a clean cloth around it to absorb any excess fluid when the pistons were pushed back into the calipers.
We then jacked the car up, removed the wheels to ensure safe positioning of the axle stand and then brushed off excess grime from the caliper and brake pad assembly.
We removed the spring cotter retaining pins using my dad’s rat nose pliers, then managed to drift out the locating pins. We then prised away the old pads with a flat-bladed screwdriver. Wow, they really did need changing – they were half the size of their replacements!
After ensuring that there wasn’t any damage to the piston gaiter, we pushed the piston back into the caliper housing. I had a quick check of the brake fluid reservour to make sure that it wasn’t overflowing, then smeared a thin layer of copper grease to the backs of the new pads and metal shim.
With the new pads positioned accurately in place, we inserted the new locating pins and spring clip along with the new spring cotter retaining pins. All that remained was to depress the brake pedal and bleed the system.
The number plate was far easier to install. With both tasks completed, I’m hoping the 406 will sail through its MoT.
Fingers crossed…