Replacing brake pads DIY

[davidb]

I don't mean to bump an 11 year old thread - but:

The description is a little vague on this. I've had new calipers and rebuilt old calipers, even brand new handbrake cables (as much has been said on this, my 27 year old cables were not stretched in comparison to the new ones), and never get an mot passing handbrake. I'm hoping it's this.

With the calipers free, you have to wind the piston in to fit the new pads.
Do you have to wind it all the way in?

The way I normally do it is wind them some of the way in to get the pads to fit comfortably with the disc and slot the caliper on and pump the brake so they are touching, and then set up the handbrake cable.

Can I just set the piston halfway (so it lines up with the lugs), then wind out 180 so it still lines up, or do you have to go all the way in?

Thanking you!

[System-G]

It's been a long, long while since I spannered an AW11. From memory, wind the piston all the way in so it's flush, then wind it back half a turn or so until the dimple can align with the notch on the pad.

It's important to seat the piston/pads/callipers for hand brake function before attempting to seat using the foot brake.