Removing Rear Brake Pad Retaining Pins!

[james]

So I thought I'd replace my discs n pads on the rear as they soon need it. I've read the brake replacement for dummies post and the http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elise/e ... index.html how to. Just one question.

How the XXXX are you supposed to get the pad retaining pins out?!!!!!!!

I've done this job on several cars and I cant think of one thats such a STUPID design.

BTW I have tried the "tapping away with a hammer and cold chisel/centre punch idea" Doesnt work for me. I think this is the first time they have been replaced (or attempted anyway.)

Short of welding the chisel to the pin and then knocking it out I dont know what else to do. Have I missed the "undo the retaining pin retainer pin or something?"

Any advise welcome. PS no going back now, the pads and discs are covered in WD40.

[Michael]

GRAB the shaft of the pin tightly with pliers... and rotate back and forth (to break down any debris jamming it)..... with a strong lateral force and it should slowly slide thru

[Shug]

Oh, and you know the hole round the back for a drift is significantly smaller? Thin drift and light tapping, then Michael's advice about pliers - will work fine.

[james]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.

I went "in" with a bigger hammer and finally dislodged it. Not much room under there for hammer weilding though. I didnt see any smaller holes at the back of the caliper but then maybe I missed it in the dark.

It'll be new pins for me. The hub carrier is covered in rust, I'm really quite surprised. It reminded me of my old Mini from yonks ago. Maybe thats due to it being in Aberdeen for 4 years before I had it.

Right now just the nearside locating screw to drill out and lots of cleaning and then reassembly.

[Shug]

Yup - you can feel the drift hole in the back of the caliper. Effing good skills if you got it out without drifting it out from the back!

[robin]

I never bother with the hole around the back ...

Robin

[robin]

Quite. When stubborn, I attach a pair of long nose mole grips clamped to reasonable pressure and then hold the handle in one hand whilst tapping the jaws with a hammer close to the pin. Never had one not come out yet.

Cheers,
Robin

[mac]

Noops - your a bad, bad man



Mac

[james]

Quite. When stubborn, I attach a pair of long nose mole grips clamped to reasonable pressure and then hold the handle in one hand whilst tapping the jaws with a hammer close to the pin. Never had one not come out yet.

Cheers,
Robin

My moles wouldnt fit (standard ones.) Good job I had a club hammer handy
I was shocked at the state of the inboard faces of the discs and the wear on the inboard pads, considering it passed its MOT less than a 100 miles ago, the disks and pads are totally shot, seems the inboard faces werent getting used - they are not smooth at all!

[Bob vanM]

I have just replaced the whole lot,
I use a small pin from the back, but these are renewed regularly

[james]

I have just replaced the whole lot,
I use a small pin from the back, but these are renewed regularly

Looks fantastic, what discs are those?