newland

hi all.

I'm looking to replace my brake disc pads as they are really low.
I've bought the pads and have found some information on how to replace them buts its lacking some info. Will i need to remove the break fluid pipe connector? if so i'm assuming i'll have to blead the breaks afterwards?

I was going to do the following:
1 unscrew the break fluid res tak and remove some of the fluid.
2 jack the car and remove the wheel.
3 unclip the retaining clip.
4 i believe i have to unscrew a couple of screws to detach the brake calapper holding from the disc.
5 remove old brakes, push piston in and insert new brakes.
6 attach the callaper and put wheel back on.

job done.

Am i missing something or is it slightly harder than this?
Thank you
Newland

Fordtech.

You don't need to remove any hydraulic lines, or hopefully remove any fluid unless you topped it up previously; the caliper retainers are 7mm Allen key bolts. Personally I use a screwdriver in between the pad and the disc to push the piston back while it's still attached. Also take off any lip on the disc to allow quicker bedding-in.

newland

Cheers for good tip on pushing the piston back in.

Also thank you for the good tip on bedding the pads in. I would not have done that. Whats the best ting to take the lip off?

Cheers
Newland

Fordtech.

A good coarse flat file or rough wet/dry paper will do.

newland

hi all
Ok the pads have been changed and thank you for everyones help.

I think i have one slight problem. when i push the break pedal in i can hear a sound like leaking air. If the engine is off and i keep pumping the break pedal the noise goes away very quickly. how ever if you do this while the engine is running then the noise does not go away.

Does this mean my breaks need bleading? if so whats the best way to do this?

I did notice that this happened with the old pads too.

Could it be a problem with the drum breaks?
How do you know when to change the drum breaks?

Cheers
Andrew

Fordtech.

Not sure if you have a problem, to be honest. As with most other cars, Focus has a brake servo system, this works off vacuum fed from the engine, and will produce hissing noises in normal operation from time to time. The reason the noise stops with the engine off is because the supply of vacuum is used up.

newland

ah ok I'm glad to hear its not a major problem. It doesn't seam to affect breaking, although its kinda hard to tell as i'm still bedding them in.

atec77

Normally the brakes should be quite hard , rest you foot on the pedal and start the car , did it drop slightly ?
then apart from changing the fliud occasionally the brakes should be ok unless you note a decress in performace , make several ( 3 or 4) firm stops from a medium speed.. now they are bedded
good luck

newland

cheers I'll give that a go tomorrow.