OK, so my brakes are making squeeling/grinding noises so I'm thinking of replacing them for the first time and have a few questions please. When I put my car reg into ECP I get 34 results for brake pads! Some are different manufacturers or for rear/front, but many are for multiple sizes also, so...

 

1> How do I know which size I need for my car?

2> Is it good practise to replace disks and shoes at the same time as replacing pads, or is this a waste of money?

3> How do I know when to replace disks/shoes/drum brakes?

4> Does anyone have a complete list of tools needed for a beginner, ie do I need anti-squeel paste or something and where would I get it from, ECP?

5> If I'm replacing brake pads/disks, would that be the best time to also replace the brake fluid?

6> Is there a step-by-step guide on Briskoda for doing this on the Fabia?

7> Do you have any tips/tricks for freeing any stuck bolts/calipers etc?

 

I don't have any "handy" mates so is there a kind person in the mid Cornwall (St Austell) area that would be willing and able to spare some time to help me go through all this on my first time please? I've been reading up on Haynes/Skoda workshop manuals and been watching youtube vids etc, but there's nothing like having an experienced person watching/helping.

 

Many thanks all...

ECP can be handy for stuff but their website is awful for identifying brake parts. You need to search other sites to identify the size and shape (for pads) of the system.... Then possibly follow up and order or pre-order on the ECP site. I appreciate

 

This site can be useful...  http://www.vwspares.co.uk/fabiabrakes.php

 

Also can use other sites plus eBay etc to reinforce knowledge of what size bits are neeed.

 

J.

Thanks J, that clears up the which brake pad to buy issue as they appear to fit different calipers. So I will have to take a wheel off at some point to take a look and identify which ones I have fitted.

 

Is anyone able to answer the rest of the questions please?

 

Thanks again...

OK, so my brakes are making squeeling/grinding noises so I'm thinking of replacing them for the first time and have a few questions please. When I put my car reg into ECP I get 34 results for brake pads! Some are different manufacturers or for rear/front, but many are for multiple sizes also, so...

 

1> How do I know which size I need for my car?

2> Is it good practise to replace disks and shoes at the same time as replacing pads, or is this a waste of money?

3> How do I know when to replace disks/shoes/drum brakes?

4> Does anyone have a complete list of tools needed for a beginner, ie do I need anti-squeel paste or something and where would I get it from, ECP?

5> If I'm replacing brake pads/disks, would that be the best time to also replace the brake fluid?

6> Is there a step-by-step guide on Briskoda for doing this on the Fabia?

7> Do you have any tips/tricks for freeing any stuck bolts/calipers etc?

 

I don't have any "handy" mates so is there a kind person in the mid Cornwall (St Austell) area that would be willing and able to spare some time to help me go through all this on my first time please? I've been reading up on Haynes/Skoda workshop manuals and been watching youtube vids etc, but there's nothing like having an experienced person watching/helping.

 

Many thanks all...

 

1.  Best to use either ECP (not the greatest site and it's 50/50 in my experience of getting the correct pads & discs)

2.  See how bad the discs are when you take them off, if they have deep 'lip' around the outside of the disc I'd look at changing them but that comes down to your own judgement.

3.  See answer 2, best to check by eye if the pads are getting low or the discs/brake drums have worn excessively (brake drum removal is necessary to assess wear)

4.  Off the top of my head you will need wheel removal tools (17mm fitment), 2 x flat head screwdrivers to push back piston (use at your own risk), 6 or 7mm allan key tool to release caliper. A spanner ((unsure on size (possibly 15mm)) will be      needed to remove carrier if you're changing discs as well. Copper slip or other heat resistant grease is best as it stops brakes going dry and/or squeaking.  

5.  It would be easier but that's another job entirely to be honest, one job at a time would be best.

6.  Use the search tool, I remember Tech1e did a guide on fitting 312mm brakes so that would be a good guide.

7.  Penetrative spray on each one of the bolts will undo them but they generally aren't too bad to undo. Be careful not to round off the allan key bolts that hold the caliper on.

 

To be honest, brakes are a key safety feature to your car and it's important they are done right. If you're not 100% confident doing them yourself find someone to do it for you.

 

I hope this helps,

 

Sharpyy 

Many thanks, one more question please as this is my first time buying brake pads/discs. When you buy brake pads and brake discs on ECP, how many do you need to order for a complete set for the front?

 

Ie if you buy brake pads do you get a complete set of 4 for the front (2 for each caliper) or do you get 2 pads for 1 side?

 

Same with discs, do you get 2 discs for the front or do you get 1 disc for 1 side?

 

Thanks again...

Many thanks, one more question please as this is my first time buying brake pads/discs. When you buy brake pads and brake discs on ECP, how many do you need to order for a complete set for the front?

 

Ie if you buy brake pads do you get a complete set of 4 for the front (2 for each caliper) or do you get 2 pads for 1 side?

 

Same with discs, do you get 2 discs for the front or do you get 1 disc for 1 side?

 

Thanks again...

 

Usually on the website when you look at the part it will say somewhere "priced per disc".

 

Pads are usually sold per axle, i.e. you'll have a front set of pads: x 4 pads (two pads for front left and two for front right)

 

Discs are usually priced per disc but you should always change them in pairs. If you're unsure what's included, give them a call 

Thanks, hopefully my final question on the matter...

 

Is there a preference on manufacturer for braking performance/quality? Or are they all as good as each other? Pagid, Eicher, Bosch etc

Pagid are better than the rest, but whatever your budget allows I guess. They will all do the same job to be honest.