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paulhide · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 5:36 pm Post subject: P4 Rear brake pad replacement

I can't seem to push the rear brake cylinder in to put in new pads. I'm sure this is something to do with the integral handbrake system which has a lever that will push the cylinder out, but not let it back. How do I solve this?
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Edward · Alfa 33 Joined: 21 Sep 2003 Posts: 307 Location: Bristol

Paul,

I know at first reading this is going to sound strange - but you have to wind them back in. That is screw them back in. From memory they have a cross groove in them. Get a big flat blade screw driver, or something with a squarish shank - I normally look in the kitchen drawer when Emma is not looking and use that along one of the grooves and start winding slowly. I know that it sounds a little odd - but I am pretty sure that is the answer.

E.
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paulhide · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:04 pm Post subject:

Cheers Ed, I've just found that possibility on another site, so I'm glad you've confirmed it. The only thing now is to find out which way to wind. Do you have to keep pressure on while winding? I've nearly got the piston completely out on one of the calipers. Embarassed

Still, at least changing the whole axle was quite easy otherwise.
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Edward · Alfa 33 Joined: 21 Sep 2003 Posts: 307 Location: Bristol

Paul,

Erm...... I think clockwise winds them in from memory - pretty much like a normal screw thread. Just the pressure from the impliment that you use to turn them was enough for me, although keep your thumb on top for good measure. Start with the near side one and wind clock wise, I am fairly certain it is the same for both sides - i.e. clockwise, but you can try it one one and you will soon see them start to disappear back into the caliper if you are winding in the right direction.

Which other site has any P4 information. Would be interested as I am about to turn my silver one into a supercharged track day car.

Let me know how you get on with the brakes.

Edward.
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paulhide · Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 9:13 am Post subject:

It wasn't a site with information about P4s, I think it was simply a mechanic's site, possibly Halfords or Kwik Fit which reckoned on turning anti-clockwise on calipers with in built handbrake.
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Edward · Alfa 33 Joined: 21 Sep 2003 Posts: 307 Location: Bristol

Paul,

Ok, spoke to Dave today - who gave me an update on the latest. Seems he has bought one of my old cars. so that makes it about one all, at the moment. The car that is the track car was a shell I bought from Dave.

Would be interested if you could find out about any possibility of a track day place from Bill.

Cheers.

Edward.
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mt · Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 10:42 am Post subject:

I wound em clockwise on mine which worked fine.