Re: 75/Milano rear brakes

[Mark Tamas <markt@domain.elided>]

> Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2000 19:42:09 +0000
> From: jonathan coates <alfa@domain.elided>
> Subject: 75/Milano rear brake disc (rotor) swap results
> 
> Tonight I finished changing the rear discs which turned out to be a
> bigger job than I had imagined. By the time I had completed the left
> swap I was thinking "what a nice easy job" and expecting the other side
> to be the same. Big mistake.
> The cap screws holding the CV joint on were VERY much tighter on the LHS...

One thing that I've found helpful in removing the CV bolts is a "wobbly"
extension.  It's not quite a universal joint, it allows the socket
attached to it a bit of axial play.  The CV boot gets in the way,
hindering straight on access to the bolts.  The wobbly extension makes
it easier to deal with. Rounding the allen head on the bolts usually
happens because the tool is not seated fully in the fastener.  Also, be
sure to clean out any crud that may have accumulated in the bolt socket,
allowing the tool to obtain full purchase.

A similar problem exists with the bolts that hold the rotor and adapter
to the diff output shaft.  Yes, they are very tight!!  I had to use an
impact gun to remove the bolts, but there's no room.  The disc to CV
adapter has very little clearance, so you can't use a 1/2-inch drive
impact socket and the adapter itself won't allow a fat extension to have
a straight attack at the bolts.
	I bought a 15mm, 3/8-inch drive impact socket and ground a "nose" on
the end; just enough for the socket to sit on the bolt fully.
A fairly skinny, high quality extension is required or you end up
approaching the bolts at an angle(bad).

> One thing that struck me (as well as the sparks) was that the guy who
> designed the transaxle never intended anybody to put a car on top of it,
> as it really gets in the way.

	A look in the Alfa factory shop manual shows all the special tools they
had to design to deal with these problems.

I hope these suggestions help those who haven't tackled this task(or
those who have!)  :-)

Mark Tamas
116GT
Eugene OR

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