Rotors Install

Hi yall,
I am new to this forum, but I've been looking in the threads for about 2 months trying to find someone who posted pictures or gave details on how to install new rotors and pads. I have an '04 hatchback. I really need to know what tools i will need. It's just an OEM replacement and I am semi-mechanically capable of doing things myself as long as no special tools are required. I know there are two screws in each rotor that require a philips-head driver (i saw those while rotating the tires every 10k), but what socket sizes for removing the calipers and brake pads? And is there anything i should be careful of/look for besides making sure the calipers dont hang? I have changed carbs and headers etc.. on my fathers old truck a few times so this shouldn't be too difficult, I just dont want to get the car jacked up and then be stuck scratching my head and not being able to have a DD. Thanks a bunch for any help!
JR

its really not hard at all, i dont remember the specific sizes, but take the caliper off swapping out the pads is not bad at all.

just make sure you have something to compress the piston and you will be ok.

As Rabbit said, its not hard. I just did it the other weekend and took a bunch of pics. I'll be posting a DIY pretty soon.

I believe removing the two screws hold the rotors will give you a pretty good time. I had to buy an impact driver to get mine off. Other than that, I believe a 17mm wrench to remove the caliper and a caliper spreader if you can't push the caliper piston in by hand (I was able to do it by hand, but it was pretty hard.)

A can of brake clean to clean the new rotors and some grease if you feel like taking the calipers apart and greasing the sliding pins (probably a good idea to do so since they probably haven't seen grease in 7 years now.) I believe you'll need a 12mm or 14mm wrench or socket for that.

Ok everybody, thanks for the help. I figured it couldn't be too difficult. Doax, pictures would be a great help! my local mechanic who i trust has put in the timing belt quoted me front rotors and pads for 190 bucks and by reading online what others pay figured it was a great deal since he would buy the same less expensive parts as I would. But I figured I would have some fun and learn and do it myself and save $100. Thanks again, ill post back up and maybe take some Pictures as well when im done.
JR

Rotors and pads for $190 is a pretty good price. I just paid $78 just for the rotors, and they weren't anything fancy.

I found rotors and pads on partsgeek.com for around 85 bucks (cheapy rotors and semi metalic pads (or i can go ceramic for 10 bucks extra)) plus whatever shipping would be. And that is fine with me becasue I cycle alot and the only thing i use my car for now is commuting 4 miles a night for work. And yes, my local machanic is really relaxed when it comes to quoting, at least with me. It really all depends on how I feel once the parts come in. I might have an extra $100 or so by then and I might just give it to him and know that I can trust him, but like I said, I want to learn.
JR

FYI I posted my DIY:

http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/f94/r...-rotors-11996/

Recently i went to a mechanic to upgrade the rotor to 286mm.

While he was installing the upsized rotor, i notice he did not put back the 2 screws that holding down the rotors.

When i ask him, he told me that after installing an upsized rotor, the screw wont match, that is common. Anyway the wheels will hold the rotor in place.

Can someone please advise if this is true?

it sounds pretty true to me, although id make sure the wheel is on perfectly level.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sofes

Recently i went to a mechanic to upgrade the rotor to 286mm.

While he was installing the upsized rotor, i notice he did not put back the 2 screws that holding down the rotors.

When i ask him, he told me that after installing an upsized rotor, the screw wont match, that is common. Anyway the wheels will hold the rotor in place.

Can someone please advise if this is true?

---

The screws are not needed. No worries there.

Ok, so it is safe to drive and brake even while at higher speed?

they are just a convenience to hold the rotor steady while the wheel and brakes come apart.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by petrified.rabbit

they are just a convenience to hold the rotor steady while the wheel and brakes come apart.

---

Err... Sorry. Meaning it is ok without the 2 screws?

yes, it is ok, lots of cars (my minivan for instance) does not have screws from the factory.

the clamping force of the wheel is really what holds the rotors on.

Hi, I was just wondering if any body knew of a big break conversion in the UK? I've thought of using vauxhall vectra brakes, but dont want to buy them if they won't fit. Also has any body fitted disks to the back of a 2006 kalos 3dr? Cheers, jonny

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by petrified.rabbit

yes, it is ok, lots of cars (my minivan for instance) does not have screws from the factory.

the clamping force of the wheel is really what holds the rotors on.

---

Thank you so much for the clarification. I feel much better driving now.

Thanks everyone. :D

Finished the rotors without any problems. One note to anybody with a DIY on rotors--- the size nut to take the caliper off is a 19mm Me having a ratchet set only going up to 17mm, I had to borrow a neighbors. it was very easy though, thanks for anyones guidance.
JR