Brake Rotors

[Hooligan]

I had asked a machanic what the cost of replacing pads with ceramic, he quoted me $140.00. By reading PTdiy, I feel I can repace just the pads myself. He mentioned that the rotors had to have work done to them, remove "glazing"[:I]. I only have 29K on the cruiser, but am tired of the brake dust.

[CREWZIN]

Hooligan,

Since you think you can change the pads yourself and save money, why not take the rotors off also since it's only a couple more steps and take them to a shop to have them turned down. Shouldn't cost very much since you did all the work for them.

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by Hooligan

I had asked a machanic what the cost of replacing pads with ceramic, he quoted me $140.00. By reading PTdiy, I feel I can repace just the pads myself. He mentioned that the rotors had to have work done to them, remove "glazing"[:I]. I only have 29K on the cruiser, but am tired of the brake dust.

MY OPINION.
Unless you have a pulsing in the pedal when you hit the brakes hard, just put in the new pads. I did, at more miles than you, and I now have about 77,000 on the PT overall. I'm replacing rotors next pad change.
The rotors aren't that thick to begin with and turning takes away some thickness. MY OPINION.

[Hooligan]

That is what I figured when he told me that. I'll plan on changing the rotors next time, unless a pulsating shows up before then.

In reading the instructions, it mentions using a "C" clamp to compress the actuating valve to force the brake fluid back to the fluid container, any one have a idea what size clamp can be used? The PT is our only driver and I need to know all the answers befor I get started.

I was trained as a diesel machanic in one of my other lives in the Coast Guard, so have the skills, (not many brakes aboard boats!!! not all of the answers.

[CREWZIN]

Hooligan,

You might not have to use the "C" clamp as the old pads might be able to come out without compressing the valve, but if you do need it, the clamp only has to open about 3 to 4 inches or less.

[Jimbo]

When I did mine I used a 4" C clamp and a small piece
of 1 by 2 put it over the cylinder.or you can use the old
brake pad.I'm with Don on not turning the rotors.Be sure to take
the cap off the fluid container before pushing the cylinder in and
don't forget to put it back on.

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by CREWZIN

Hooligan,

You might not have to use the "C" clamp as the old pads might be able to come out without compressing the valve, but if you do need it, the clamp only has to open about 3 to 4 inches or less.

Aha! I finally disagree! (sorta) True, old pads will come out, but in order to get new pads in, C-clamp is needed to push piston all the way back - the new pads, being thicker, won't go in otherwise.
I go slow on turning the C-clamp in (use biggest c-clamp I have - 6"?) because I have ABS and don't want to screw up controller.

[CREWZIN]

[quote]quote:Originally posted by quicksilverdon

Originally posted by CREWZIN

Aha! I finally disagree! (sorta) True, old pads will come out, but in order to get new pads in, C-clamp is needed to push piston all the way back - the new pads, being thicker, won't go in otherwise.

Don, I did say that he MIGHT not have to use..., and some cars you don't need to push the piston back.

[hoopdiewagon]

forget the clamp and just use a pair of channelock pliers. Took me 10 mins a wheel to remove and replace rotors and pads. Of course, Ive done it before......[:I]

[Hooligan]

Thanks for the info guys, I appreciate it.