wlee69

After about 70K it was time to switch out the rotors and brakes. I had done the pads way back at about 10K but now started to develop some pulsating of the brake pedal at high speed stops. Figured the rotors were shot/warped and after 70K I can't complain I didn't get good use out of them.

Ordered a set of rotors and the same Posi Quiet Semi-metallic pads (had those on the car since the 10K mark) from R1concepts ($500 shipped for all 4 rotors and pads) and put them in this weekend. Was all pretty straight forward, only thing that was tough was the front 2 bolts that hold the bracket that the caliper and pads fit into. The bolts were so tight, with 1/2" sockets and a breaker bar, I still had to use my legs to break them free!!!

Could have gotten cross-drilled/slotted rotors as well, but I didn't want to make the car something it wasn't - decided on their premium standard rotors (Painted black caps) Everything fit perfectly and also flushed the brake fluid at the same time using a Motive brake bleeder.

Took some pics of the new rotors as well, since my 5 yr old helped give me the tools as I was doing all this, he wanted to get in the pictures as well.

mbmama

Did you have to replace the sensors too? My break is coming soon and I'm still debating whether I use the OEM or after market parts.

wlee69

I just reused the sensors. If you don't wear the pads down to the sensors, they easily pop out and can be put into the new pads. BTW - just 1 in the front and 1 in the rear if you decide to replace them as well.

atwal

What is torque spec for the caliper bracket bolts? I am coming up on the rotor/brake pad replacement as well.

wlee69

Atwal - I don't know what the torque spec is. what made it hard to get off is the "loctite" stuff they use on the bolts. Its some light blue stuff that was on the end of the bolt. Its a 20mm head bolt so all I did was tighten it with a 1/2" driver as hard as I could!!!

atwal

Did you replace Caliper brackets bolts with new ones or reuse the old ones?

wlee69

Re-used all the hardware. Didn't see any reason not to re-use.......

atwal

Finally got torque specs.

Front brake caliper carrier to steering knuckle is 80Nm with blue locktite on threads.

Rear Caliper carrier to wheel carrier is 60 Nm with bluelocktite on threads.

I replaced all discs with brembo coated discs and pagid brake pads. Getting the disc out of wheel hub was chore. I had to use a jaw puller. All done for now. I would expect this new discs and pads will last me another 50K.

MRAMG1

Is it just me, or after you replace all four rotors and pads the car seems like it is brand new again

PS: Where did you find the required 9mm allen socket?

didimao0072000

i'm surprised it was only torqued to 80nm. i was standing on a breaker bar and it would not budge. it took an electric impact to remove the bolts.

nynd

Does R1 concepts carry good items?

RobertEarl

A 9mm and an 11/32 allen wrench are the same size. That is why you usually do not see a 9mm in any set of metric allens.

Reb

MRAMG1

Unfortunately, I had neither one, and borrowed one form my shop at work.

But thanks for the tip

EWT

I did my front rotors/pads over the weekend. The bolts that hold the bracket onto the spindle are really on there. I've got a good impact (IR 2131), and it had to work hard to get them off. They appeared to have a lot of a Loctite-type substance on them. I used rotors and Akebono pads from Tire Rack. The Akebonos have a little less initial grab, but hopefully will have less dust as advertised. Not a bad job, but be ready with the 9mm hex socket and a impact or a long breaker bar to get the bracket bolts off.

Also, one thing I don't remember seeing mentioned before is that you need a Torx T30 socket to get the rotors off. There is a small torx headed bolt at the hub that holds the rotor on that has to be removed before the rotor will come off.

atwal

The bolts are difficult to take out due to locktite on threads. I have removed 250NM torque bolts (Crank pulley) with a breaker bar and pipe. For front wheel, it is easier by turning the wheels to make room for longer breaker bar and use steel pipe to extended the arm is necessary.

atwal

I picked up a set of allen (around $15) from home depot which had a 9mm allen. None of auto parts stores or sears had that. You can also try snap on truck.

atwal

Feels new but that damn brake squeal still appears occasionally. It sounds like train brakes.

atwal

Right on for T30 Torx socket to remove the disc from wheel hub. Torque this little guy to 10Nm.