Alfa Romeo/Alfa Romeo Digest Archive

[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Milano rear brake pad adjustment



In V8 #325 Bill Bain has a question regarding the above subject:
Question:  how to adjust the rear brakes.
Hans showed me how, but he has a special "tool" to hold the lock nut in
place while turning the adjuster with a hex wrench.  None of the
aftermarket suppliers list the tool, so what are folks using for a
substitute?

*********

In #326 Jerry in Houston recommends using a 17 mm socket with ViceGrips
and hex wrench to adjust the Outside pads.

******

This will work great for the left side but suspect you'll have little
room on the right side since the exhaust will be in the way.

I'm going to back up apiece and regale you all with my procedure: Jack
up the back of the car really high and really safely. You'll need a
trouble light, small mirror, brake cleaner, pair of needle nose pliers,
small drift & hammer, small 5 mm hex wrench, 9/32" socket and wrench,
and (Craftsman) 17 mm (/ 19 mm offset box wrench).

Spray off the yuck, then remove the pads using the small drift, hammer ,
and needle nose pliers. The mirror and trouble light will help explain
everything. Replace in reverse order. Crawl out, have a long sip of your
favorite beverage, go stomp on the brakes (by-the-by, you did completely
release the emergency brake handle didn't you?).

Back to the hole: Starting from the left outer 17 mm securing nut (first
clear your mind that it is alwaysclockwise tighten, counter clockwise
loosen'cause it ain't always) loosen clockwise, but am pretty sure the
hex adjuster screw is also clockwise to tighten (does get confusing).
You should know within a few turns if you're going the correct way.
There are specific clearances for the pad to rotorforget them. Tighten
the outer pad just as you would a drum brakethat is, tighten hard, then
back off until it doesn't drag. Somewhat retighten the lock nut, double
checking you haven't changed the clearance.

Hey, only three pads to go. Seek out the small 7 mm hex 'bolt' sticking
out near the Left's inside pad. Tighten by turning clockwise (imagine).
No lock nut, so you're now done on the left side.

Oy vey, the right side: Outside once again loosen the 17 mm lock nut
clockwise and should you have used the socket / ViceGrips on the left
side, doubt if you'll have room so consequently need offset wrench which
will fit down into the narrow space, yet hold the 17 mm retaining nut).
Once again (pretty sure) you tighten the hex adjuster clockwise. However
the inside 'bolt' tightens counter clockwise (trust meunless yours is
different, then forget what I just said).

Double check all by turning wheels and possibly crawling out, supping
beverage, stomping on brakes, then turning  wheels again to make sure
they're not dragging, and you're throughthat is, unless you need to
adjust the emergency brake. Check first between supping and returning to
'the hole' because quite often the above procedure also readjusts the
emergency brake's clearance. If not, you'll need either two box end 10
mm wrenches or a 10 and a 11. Adjust cable accordingly, get out several
times so you walk the fine line of not too many clicks on emergency
brake lever to fully engage emergency brakes, yet not too few.

Now wasn't that fun? Once again I say, "A little favorite beverage
during the process, sure makes it considerably more enjoyable and
(seemingly) go so much faster."

Biba
Irwindale, CA USA

--
to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided


Home | Archive | Main Index | Thread Index