Iain's 1970 MG BGT

Brake Pad Replacement

Just a few quick pics about brake pad replacement. My last set of pads lasted just over 6400 miles!! So it is well worth inspecting them regularly. They are dead easy to replace. Next time they need done I will overhaul the front brakes, which will mean refurbished calipers, new discs, new brake fluid and probably braided hoses.

As you can see there is not much friction pad material left on the Mintex pads that have been fitted for 6400 miles! I do drive fairly vigorously, but I think sticky calipers are partly to blame.

To remove the pads I take the caliper off (two bolts and a lock tab) and then remove the split pins and springs. As you can see there is a contrast between the old and new pads!! The old pads had worn completely on one side, to the point you can see the metal worn at the bottom. This was what caused the grinding noise that gave away the problem. Best to address it as soon as you hear this problem as otherwise the discs will be wrecked too.

The pads on the other side had 2.5 mm and 4 mm of material (new pads have 9 mm). The only tricky part of replacing the pads is pressing the pistons back into calipers. I used two G clamps. The larger one was too big to fit in properly, but good for applying pressure briefly to one side and the the other.

Once the pistons were in a little I was able to use a smaller G clamp and suitable size socket. This allowed pressure to be applied to the middle of the piston and hence it wound in easily and quickly.

During this it is essential to take the cap off the brake master cylinder and also to watch the fluid level. I had to remove a fair bit as the pistons were pressed in.

Fitting the new pads is dead easy, just don't forget some copper grease on the back of the pads (NOT the friction side!!) to prevent brake squeal and ensure the springs are the correct way round. Do one side then the other (so one side can be reference). Once both sides are done replace the cap on the master cylinder and pump the brakes up before checking the fluid level again.

The new pads I used were Ferodo (£13.79 from Halfords) and were fitted at 84221 miles. They came with new springs and pins included. The job took 1.5 hours all in.