Brake Pad Replacement / Spring Scale Question

[broox]

Hi,

I was just about to replace my rear brake pads (in my 95 Eagle Talon TSI FWD) but found something odd in my Chilton's book. It told me to wrap a spring scale around the lug nuts and measure the wheel's resistance before taking the pads off. I've never heard of doing this before, is it really necessary? What is the purpose?

Thanks a lot.

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

I would think it's looking to see if one of the calipers has higher resistance than the other. If you are unsure about your calipers I would replace them. Also, get some caliper grease and grease the sliders as this is often overlooked. I've had to drill out sliders because they were stuck.

Replace pads, turn rotors, and if possible replace calipers. This would give you a great brake repair.

The calipers are going to be a little pricey because of the park brake being in them.

Also, you will need to use a special tool to compress and turn the caliper piston at the same time. You cannot just compress them.

Sometimes channel locks and a lot of diligence will achieve the same end result.

Be careful and make absolutely sure you have done it right. You haven't had excitement until you go to really need your brakes and they are not there.

If unsure at any time about what you are doing, go to a pro and have them verify that the brakes are safe.

Good Luck

 

[steve]

IThe calipers are going to be a little pricey because of the park brake being in them. Also, you will need to use a special tool to compress and turn the caliper piston at the same time. You cannot just compress them.

Since he has a 2G he can just compress the rear pistons. The 2Gs use a drum in disk parking brake rather then the integral parking brake on 1Gs. So no need or way to thread the piston back down the actuator.

Steve

 

[broox]

so if i am just replacing the pads, then i may not need to test the caliper's resistance?

 

[Defiant]

It told me to wrap a spring scale around the lug nuts and measure the wheel's resistance before taking the pads off. I've never heard of doing this before, is it really necessary? What is the purpose?

It's to test for a seized caliper or a sticking pad.
I've never seen it done. Go for a drive, park and feel your wheel hubs. If you have a sticker, you'll have a hot wheel.