A full brake service - without replacing anything

[Welton]

Having had great results from using Proslip brake greases on our other cars I thought I'd treat mine to it. My discs and pads were all replaced 20K miles ago and don't need replacing but haven't received any close attention in 4 years.

I went around each corner, removed the caliper, removed the pads and then went about cleaning everything - used a set of wire 'toothbrushes' and cleaned all of the contact points where the pads sit in the caliper so a combination of de-dusting and washing with Brake Cleaner. The pads were also thoroughly cleaned.

A Garage fitted my last set of brakes and whatever 'copper slip' crap they used had long gone, all assemblies were completely dry and caked up with brake dust - the pads were not 'free' in the calipers - they were kinda jammed in there.

The caliper slide pins were removed, de-greased and treated to a film of Proslip 'Pin' grease.

The contact points between the pad edges and caliper were treated to Proslip 'Clip' grease.

The contact points on the backs of the pads had a smear of Proslip 'Pad' high pressure grease.

I've got no connection with Proslip but thought they've done a great job to address the limited range of products for brake servicing so they deserve a mention on here.

Brake pedal feel is much improved with braking effort beginning with the slightest pressure on the pedal and I know the brakes will be good all over the winter.

Took about 2 hours to go around all four corners but well worth the effort.

Tools required were:

1/2" socket ratchet
1/2" socket drive Hex Bit set (7mm hex to undo the caliper slide pins)
19mm socket for wheel nuts
Long-nose pliers for the caliper retaining spring
Small hammer for tapping the retaining spring back into the fiddly holes
Torque Wrench - Caliper slide pins 35NM. Wheel Nuts 110NM.
ProSlip 3-part grease set.
Wire brushes
Brake Cleaner

+ YouTube Video

[mark2410]

pretty sure my c70 needs this. if i wanted a garage to wuld i just ask for a break service?

[Welton]

The risk of using a garage is that they'd likely tell you the pads and discs need replacing because once you get to the stages I listed above you're literally 10 mins away from changing the discs. I didn't need to replace the pads and discs but wanted to clean and 'free off' the braking action - and will probably extend the life of the pads in the process.

If you're not content with having a go yourself I'd say you'd have to buy the Proslip greases and then maybe have a good mobile mechanic come to you and do it - one word of warning though - if you get someone out to you and then find you do need new pads it'll get expensive as he'd need to revisit you again.

It can be difficult to check the thickness left on the pads from a casual inspection but much improved once you get the wheel off for a good nose around - especially the 'inside' pads on the rear surface of the discs.

I really can't go on enough about how much better the brake pedal feels now. Braking starts with the smallest touch of the pedal.

[andy_d]

did you not need any sort of "wind back" tool for the rears ?

[Wgl2020]

Originally Posted by andy_d

did you not need any sort of "wind back" tool for the rears ?

If you are just removing the pads, cleaning the associated parts and putting them back then no. If you are putting new pads in then you will as the pads will be thicker.

I've just ordered the product the OP has suggested and will be giving it a go the next time the sun's out...

[Zebster]

I can't believe garages still use copper grease on brakes... I've been using ceramic greases for at least a decade, currently this Silverhook one... https://www.amazon.co.uk/SILVERHOOK-.../dp/B007D3H5G4