great article in Classics Monthly this month

[brens-s80]

Hi ,

Came across an excellent article in "Classics Monthly" on replacing brakes and wheel bearings in a 245 ,while I was killing time in Manchester Airport last night.

It's a very clear and well photographed article and would be, I believe of great use to those of us how have never tried it before.

regards

Brendan

[jacksonb123]

In a similar vein the current practical classics has them rallying a 144 ! Plus a readers car which is a green 144.

Ben

[Clifford Pope]

I've just read it, and found it very disappointing. For a start, although entitled Brakes & Bearings, it deals exclusively with front brakes and wheel bearings. These are standard and well-covered in any number of other sources. No mention of the rear brakes, handbrake, or rear hub bearings.

The pictures show the caliper being removed with the pads still in place. That can be very difficult, and virtually impossible if a piston has seized. Sliding it off sideways far enough to clear the disc puts a big strain on the brake pipes. It is much better to remove the pads first, then the caliper can be angled to get it clear of the disc.

It goes on to say you may have to refit the caliper in order to lever out the pads. Why not get them out first? Why risk scratching the new disc?

Adjustment of the bearings is glossed over. Some types of front wheel bearings are supposed to have a set pre-load, not just adjusted by trial and error to eliminate wheel movement.

No mention of how to inspect the discs, acceptable and unacceptable degrees of rust and pitting, minimum disc thickness, differences between vented and non-vented discs. No mention of the need for very careful fitment of a new disc to make sure it seats properly, and the consequent problem of run-out.
In short, a pretty superficial article. Nice pictures though.

[brens-s80]

Hi Clifford,

thanks for the feedback I suppose thats the difference between Novice's and Experts ;-) { trust me I'am very much in the Novice camp at present }. I have modified my own copy with the tips you have given. As an aside would you consider writing a reply to the Magazine highlighting their short comings ?

thanks once again

brendan

[Citizen.Agfa]

Originally Posted by Clifford Pope

I've just read it, and found it very disappointing. For a start, although entitled Brakes & Bearings, it deals exclusively with front brakes and wheel bearings. These are standard and well-covered in any number of other sources. No mention of the rear brakes, handbrake, or rear hub bearings.

The pictures show the caliper being removed with the pads still in place. That can be very difficult, and virtually impossible if a piston has seized. Sliding it off sideways far enough to clear the disc puts a big strain on the brake pipes. It is much better to remove the pads first, then the caliper can be angled to get it clear of the disc.

It goes on to say you may have to refit the caliper in order to lever out the pads. Why not get them out first? Why risk scratching the new disc?

Adjustment of the bearings is glossed over. Some types of front wheel bearings are supposed to have a set pre-load, not just adjusted by trial and error to eliminate wheel movement.

No mention of how to inspect the discs, acceptable and unacceptable degrees of rust and pitting, minimum disc thickness, differences between vented and non-vented discs. No mention of the need for very careful fitment of a new disc to make sure it seats properly, and the consequent problem of run-out.
In short, a pretty superficial article. Nice pictures though.

Sitting on the fence again! LOL!

Regards, Nick H.