Success! (Front brakes installed)

jens_uk · 09-15-2003, 05:40 AM

My multi-week battle with my front brakes is (mostly) over. Woo hoo!

After one of my 7 am meetings was canceled, my co-workers and I took a field trip to the parking lot, where I took off a wheel and showed them my dilemna. On their advice, I acquired (1) propane torch + (1) 4 lb hammer. With a friend over for moral encouragement, the rotor finally came off yesterday.

I managed to get the other side, although that retaining bolt is a right-off just like the other. I imagine I will pop the heads off all of the rest of them when I get around to doing the back, but it's not been too bad keeping the hub aligned to the rotor aligned to the wheel during re-installation.

I do need to get a pad wear sensor, but since I know that the pads are okay I'll just ignore that light until I order one and throw that on there.

This was well-timed - the horrible grinding noise (turns out one pad became completely toasted during my saga) and my previous inability to get the rotor off were getting me ready to give up and take it to a shop, or appeal to a local Jeep message board for rescue.

Also good news is that a serviceable '95 Chevy pickup will be finding its way into my driveway for cheap, so I'll have a good third vehicle, so when I attempt repairs and they run over, the wifey and I will have something to drive.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 09-15-2003, 04:19 PM

Welcome to the wonderful world of DIY. Once you understand how the stuff goes together, it's pretty easy to do. Pretty soon, you'll be rerbuilding motors.

Just remember, nothing is impossible, just mathematically improbable.

yogi799 · 09-15-2003, 10:07 PM

Are you sayin' it's that hard to change the pads and rotors yourself? I do the general stuff myself (oil, tranny fluid, etc.) but have no special tools and no intention of screwing up with something not wanning to come off or allign right, or other crap. Please, advise if I should rather pay the dealer to do it?

jens_uk · 09-16-2003, 04:01 AM

Hi Yogi,

I don't think it's hard. If you've done that basic stuff, it should be a snap. I've never even done an oil change or transmission fluid change...on any car...and I was able to do the brake stuff. The instructions Jared can send you are step-by-step spot on the money. The only hard part in my case was that the rotors were slightly rusted to the hubs, which I hear is not uncommon on any make of vehicle. With a little propane and an almost little hammer, it only took a couple minutes to get them off. I didn't have a torch or larger hammer prior to starting my swap; otherwise it wouldn't have been a big deal.

Well, that retaining screw is a bit of a pain, but if you can do those other things I'm sure you could get that.

For me, it's a simple: ~$275 worth of Pelican Parts (that includes shipping) and a few hours of my time, or $1000 at the dealer....it was an easy choice, and I'm glad I got to do it.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 09-16-2003, 09:26 AM

If anyone needs the tech articles, please email me.

jared@pelicanparts.com

Be sure to say what you are looking for. I get a lot of emails that just say "I need that article"

yogi799 · 07:06 PM

Hi Jared. Yes, would you please send me detailed instructions on changing the front and rear rotors and pads. I have a 99 E46 sedan. THANKS!

yogi799 · 07:07 PM

Oh my was this EASY.... of course they refused to turn my rotors and since I have a light vibration when braking, I can see myself buying two new rotors for the front. But, this is not my question. Hopefully Jared and others can help me.... I missed the darn thing by TWO days! My brakes light came on Sunday and my parts came in today!!!! Darn it! Anyhow, how do I reset it? I did not buy new sensor and I don't really care about the sensor. Is there a way to reset the light?

Jared at Pelican Parts · 09-24-2003, 08:12 AM

The only way to reset the light is to use a new sensor. If the sensor had not tripped, you could have resued it, however, you're stuck here.

yogi799 · 10-01-2003, 06:40 PM

Allright, Jared , need your help again - Just put a brand new senson, hooked it up and everything... It still lights up on my dash. Do I need to wait till the computer picks up the new reading or what??? I replaced only the front sensor, because I'm pretty sure the rear one did not go off - it looked untouched, whereas the front one was clearly wiped. Help!

Jared at Pelican Parts · 10-02-2003, 08:08 AM

Well, obviously, you need to check the rear sensor first and see if it has tripped. Thats the only thing I can really reccommend if you have already chagned the front. The light should go off automatically if the sensors are good.

yogi799 · 10-11-2003, 09:50 PM

Rather than buying the new sensor for the rear, I cut it off and connected the wires together (I've read that somewhere on the web... ). Didn't help.....

After about 3-4 days the light went off!!!!!!!!

So, apparently, the computer needs a long time to get the new reading...

yogi799 · 10-11-2003, 09:51 PM

And I do have a new sensor on the front, so I'm safe...