Is a torque wrench absolutly essential when changing pads?

[DJMK4]

Or can you just use a normal wrench and somehow gauge it yourself?

Also what about cleaning parts before putting back together?

 

[Jonny69]

Not for calipers, just do them up gert tight with a little copperslip on the threads to stop them seizing. Not much to clean, just scrape off any debris and make sure the mating surfaces are clean.

 

[moss]

You should really torque everything up correctly (wheels mainly), but I wouldnt say its essential, ive done pads numerious times without a torque wrench.

 

[jimblowscash]

two grunts and a groan will do, as johnny said make sure youve slipped it and cleaned it properly

 

[ardy89]

never used a torque wrench on my pads and discs *Touch Wood* it hasnt imploded yet.

Rob

 

[DJMK4]

Whats this copperslip (Slipping) all about then? think its the only I think I need to know before I get to work, and is there any preffered cleaning fluid to use? or can I use something else.

 

[ardy89]

Copper slip is a compound which you apply to the back of the pads, I coated the whole rear of the pad with it, I beleive its there purely to stop squeaks not sure its used for any other purpose. Both copper slip and brake cleaning aerosol can be bought from halfords. What car do you have, I would go on the forum specific for you car, there will no doubt be a guide showing you how to change your pads and discs.

Rob

 

[G_D]

Copper slip is as jonny69 said, stop um seizing. Kinda like using a solidified oil in a way, though that isnt a brilliant analogy. As for cleaning fluid, i wouldn't recommend using any chemicals, especially not on the pads or breaks . Just get a wire brush and scrape all the crap and break dust out the inside of the caliper, all it needs really.

 

[Clarkey]

err, brake cleaner is perfectly good for using on brakes, it's kind of in the name

 

[DJMK4]

Cool, cheers for the info

 

[G_D]

err, brake cleaner is perfectly good for using on brakes, it's kind of in the name

Lol yes, ok ok, im happy for that one. Cant say have ever used it myself, never have felt need to, it something you often use?. Shouldn't really need it in this case as much either what with new parts going on.

 

[Lopéz]

I'll be honest, I've had cars down to component form and back again, the only time I use a torque wrench is on engine internals.

 

[K.C. Leblanc]

I'll be honest, I've had cars down to component form and back again, the only time I use a torque wrench is on engine internals.

But how long do your cars last?

 

[Snaggle]

I'll be honest, I've had cars down to component form and back again, the only time I use a torque wrench is on engine internals.

 

[Clarkey]

I'll be honest, I've had cars down to component form and back again, the only time I use a torque wrench is on engine internals.

Yep, I don't own a torque wrench, nothing I do needs that much precision.

 

[Lopéz]

But how long do your cars last?

The last one I've had in component form is still competing regularly.

If I ever bin a car it's normally because it's rotten or generally terminally worn, not because I haven't done a bolt up to a specified torque.

 

[loltim]

I'll be honest, I've had cars down to component form and back again, the only time I use a torque wrench is on engine internals.

and engine mounts?

 

[Lopéz]

and engine mounts?

Nope, always just done them tight. When I worked in a garage unless a head was being changed I never even saw a torque wrench.

 

[Cryfreeman]

two grunts and a groan will do, as johnny said make sure youve slipped it and cleaned it properly

Ha like this

 

[Biohazard]

Nope, always just done them tight. When I worked in a garage unless a head was being changed I never even saw a torque wrench.

Ditto.

Headbolts and clutches are the only things I have ever used a torque wrench on.

everything else is done with the breaker bar.. I've never had anything give, or problems because of it. torquing engine mounts? just tighten it up bloody hard.