Rover 200 & 400 Owners Club

DiverJim · Post by **DiverJim** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 3:10 pm

I know this is a really simple subject for most of you but I'm definately a beginner when it comes to car mechanics. Just need a bit of advice before I attempt to change my front brake pads (and possibly discs) next week. I've got a 1995 214 SLi. Where is the best place to buy the pads/discs and do I need a part number to order them? I'll be working from the Haynes manual and it seems quite simple but are there any potential problems that the book doesn't mention? Also, will I need any specialist tools that aren't in my not good socket set? Any tips would be appreciated before I do any unnecessary damage!

Rovermad · Post by **Rovermad** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 3:14 pm

hi there, kevin cooper will do them cheap but my advice would be to change the disc's aswell it only around 30quid more expensive but well worth it. The job its self isnt a hard one as long as you have the right tools:-

Sockets
spanners
Brake spreader........... most imprtant because the new disc's and pads are wider than the old ones.

it shouldnt take more that 30 mins each side,

when you planning on doing them?

Smithy · Post by **Smithy** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 3:36 pm

I can reccomend JRT Automotive. They also give special discounts to full club members. Otherwise try your local motorfactors.

DiverJim · Post by **DiverJim** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 1:22 pm

Thanks for the info. I'm planning to do the work on Sunday or early next week. I bet it takes me longer than 30 minutes each side though

I'll definately do the discs as well and I'll buy or borrow a spreader.

I've had the car for a couple of years and it only cost peanuts with a years tax and MoT. It looks a bit rough now with a few dents etc but it's great and takes me from Plymouth to Portsmouth and back every week. They kind of grow on you, don't they?

David W · Post by **David W** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 4:27 pm

Hi, there are only so many things I will do myself but brakes, steering, tyres & suspension are not among them. I would entrust your garage to do the job for you! They may notice something you would possibly not see! ie. brake pipe detoration etc.. Not worth risking life and limb to save a few quid! Good luck, David W

Clawjaw · Post by **Clawjaw** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 5:12 pm

I have to compleatly agree with Dave... When my front disks and pads needed replacing i was quoted something stupid to supply and fit. I went and bought the parts myself for less than £30 and got them fitted at another garage for £20. Dont quote me on that though cus i cant be 100% sure on the pricei paid now but i rememebr that the price National Tyres and Autocare quoted me was neally £300 which included the rears which didnt need doing

Edit:.. Im not sure if it "needs" to be done but i always change the brake fluid after new pads have been put on. I recommend racing fluid as it withstands higher temps than the standard stuff.

David W · Post by **David W** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 5:54 pm

Yer, I agree with Clawjaw. Get the job done professionally. Don't use the "big boys" as Clawjaw said! Use your local independant garage. Try and get an amicable friendship/business relationship with them. (Can be difficult) but I have manged to have a superb relationship with my guys and we share the odd pint & laugh in the local pub. Buy the parts yourself and have them fitted for you at your garage. Its worthwhile changing the discs as well. Changing brake fluid is always a good idea as it is hydroscopic, (think thats the correct term) that means it absorbs moisture in the atmosphere, (water,) over a few years and this can make your brakes fail or feel very spungy! Brakes are so, so important! Good luck, David W

DiverJim · Post by **DiverJim** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 6:38 pm

that's a fair comment, David. Now you've got me wondering whether or not to do it! For the record though, it's not to save pennies, just to learn the simple jobs myself.

E_T_V · Post by **E_T_V** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 10:00 pm

It depends on how practical you are and how willing you are to learn. It isn't a difficult job at all, however having someone who has done it before and knows what they are looking at to point you in the right direction won't hurt but it isn't essential.

Take your time and ask questions if necessary as you go along. I learnt as a kid as I went along and I've survived so far!

Martin_214 · Post by **Martin_214** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 10:59 pm

As my 214 is my first car, I have been learning various tasks such as oil changes etc alongside my family. We did the front discs and pads over the summer. If you have a Haynes manual and a couple of hours you should have no problems. As for the brake spreader, a g-clamp will retract the piston just as well, and you may have one already. You may need a breaker bar as well, as we needed to go and buy one as some bolts were pretty solid.

Brake pad replacement

Brake pad replacement