So if any of you kept up on things... I found out last week that I needed new pads/rotors "badly" according to the dealer. So instead of pay the dealership $650 to order them and install them, I decided I'd rather have slotted and drilled Zimmerman rotors with less-dust Mintex red box from ECS

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v67/photos/1/104988/824762/1101027_IMGMedium-vi.jpg">

During installation, I realized just how good of a job I did when I painted the calipers. I was impressed and am convinced that I am totally sweet... except for all the road grime is not cool.

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v66/photos/1/104988/824762/1101032_IMGMedium-vi.jpg">

We then made an executive decision that since the caliper didn't want to budge off the rotor after releasing a few bolts, we'd help it along. Besides, these rotors were f'd anyway.

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v68/photos/1/104988/824762/1101035_IMGMedium-vi.jpg">

Sure enough, the rotor was a bit rusted to the hub. No problem. Jeff Bipes says to use a stiff smack with your hand to free it. We say to use a hammer and get the hell out of the way. (Notice all the bits of clumpy grime that fell with the rotor.)

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v69/photos/1/104988/824762/1101036_IMGMedium-vi.jpg">

New front rotor is on... this is about the time I realize I should have bought a new screw to hold it on. But who's gonna see it.

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v68/photos/1/104988/824762/1101037_IMGMedium-vi.jpg">

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v69/photos/1/104988/824762/1101038_IMGMedium-vi.jpg">

Scrunch that piston down.. with a c-clamp... and wire ties.

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v69/photos/1/104988/824762/1101039_IMGMedium-vi.jpg">

When it came to doing the rears, we also found out that a c-clamp is a lot worse to use than the clamp Jeff used. Once again, realized this after the fact. Instead, we improvised. Can you tell that we're both engineers and that I'm Polish?

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v69/photos/1/104988/824762/1101040_IMGMedium-vi.jpg">

Next snag: rear pads have a spring on them that pushes the caliper back. So one person needs to sit on the floor and hold the caliper in place with his foot while the other bolts it back in.

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v69/photos/1/104988/824762/1101041_IMGMedium-vi.jpg">

A real time-saver: ratcheting wrenches

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v69/photos/1/104988/824762/1101043_IMGMedium-vi.jpg">

It was only on the second front wheel that we realize we REALLY need the 7mm allen wrench. Ironically, NAPA doesn't sell a 7mm and tell us the system goes from 6mm to 8mm and skips 7. We know 7mm is a real measurement, so we make a few phonecalls and find a friend who owns a GM dealership (Hodges in Hart, MI btw) who is willing to let us in to borrow the tool. Most of the joy was getting there though:

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v68/photos/1/104988/824762/1101045_IMGMedium-vi.jpg">

Dealership said I had 20% of pad left. Looks more like 50%. Bastages.

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v68/photos/1/104988/824762/1101046_IMGMedium-vi.jpg">

By the time we finished, after starting at 4:00, it was plenty dark. Even with the flash in the lit garage. Better pics on their way.

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v68/photos/1/104988/824762/1101048_IMGMedium-vi.jpg">

5 hours later. Cleanup commences.

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v68/photos/1/104988/824762/1101049_IMGMedium-vi.jpg">

The culprit:

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v68/photos/1/104988/824762/1101052_IMGMedium-vi.jpg">

Is it bad when this brake pad slides around the rotor and doesn't fall off? I think it might be.


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A few notes: You use the breaker fluid a LOT with this work. Also, follow Bipes instructions and don't try to get around anything. Although, the ratcheting wrench was a huge help. Breaking bolts wasn't nearly as bad as it seemed though. I'm kinda tiny and I didn't have much problem with the fluid working its magic. Although I'll admit, there was one bolt that was insanely tough. Lastly, heated garages are a blessing.

Now I'm just waiting for the pads to set. Everything rides so squishy right now. I've done the 20mph-5mph drop a few times and have driven on the expressway for 60 miles to cool them down on the way home. But yeah, I'm not sure if I'd feel safe stomping on the brakes for a while yet.

 

A few tips use a grinder to take the ridge off the old rotors and please get yourself a brass hammer its a lot easier on metal parts.

 

great job!!! =D

 

thx K, now I just need to do those wheels!

 

luckily we didn't really mess with anything we needed to keep...

 

nice....thanks for sharing......Id like to do mine too......

 

it's relatively easy... and cost &lt;$400

 

I have those rotors on my list for when my OEM stuff needs replacing. Thanks for sharing.

 

Great job and writing . New ones shine like jewelery :-)

 

good for another 20K or so. I'm looking at the floating rotors and Mintex pads from ECS when the time comes.

-Robert