Disc pads - inspection and renewal

Braking system / Disc pads - inspection and renewal

1 Jack up the front of the car and remove the roadwheels.

2 Extract the spring clips and slide out the locking blocks (photos).

3.2A Removing a disc pad locking block clip

3.2B Removing a locking block

3 On SX versions, carefully disconnect the wear sensor lead connecting plug.

4 Lift the caliper body from the disc and inspect the thickness of the friction material on each pad (photo). If it is 1.5 mm (0.06 in) or less, renew the pads.

3.4 Removing the caliper unit

5 Withdraw the pads and the anti-rattle springs.

6 Brush away any dust and dirt from the caliper, taking care not to inhale the dust - this contains asbestos and is thus potentially injurious to health.

7 As the new pads are thicker than the old ones, the caliper piston must be depressed into its cylinder to accommodate them. This will cause the fluid level to rise in the reservoir.

Anticipate this by syphoning some out beforehand, but take care not to let it drip onto the paintwork - it acts as an effective paint stripperl
8 Refit the anti-rattle springs, the pads (friction lining-to-disc), the cylinder body, the locking blocks and their retaining clips (photos).

3.8A Disc pad and anti-rattle spring

3.8B Cylinder body located on caliper bracket

9 Refit the roadwheel and apply the footbrake hard, several times, to bring the pads into contact with the brake disc.

10 Renew the pads on the opposite brake.

The pads should always be renewed in axle sets.

11 Top up the fluid reservoir.