im doing this on friday this week, only ever changed the pads on the zed when it comes to brakes, is there anything i need to look out for when doing this or is is pretty straight forward, got the disks, brakets, bolts, new pads, copper grease.

 

any advice/tips???

before you start, take the lid off the brake res, put some cling film over the top then put the lid on very loosely (i.e. do not do up all the way).

this allows expansion of the fluid in the res without overflow or restiction.

i.e. film expands better than seal plastic.

 

What are you fitting, I take it you have bigger calipers, disks and pads but are they all new or 2nd hand ?.

 

If they are 2nd hand have a look at the pistons as you may want to do a caliper rebuild first before fitting them, saves time in thelong run and you will get much better performance from them.

just brand new 324mm disks with my existing stock calipers and new pads

In that case you probably won't be removing the calipers completely.

 

Get a couple of long cable ties so you can tie the caliper out of the way (usually cable tied to the suspension spring).

 

That way you don't have to worry about bleeding the system when you are done.

 

Still use the trick of the cling film over the res, that way you can push the pistons in a little easier to fit the new pads.

 

you can buy a brake fitting tool from halfords that consists of a long bolt and a fake brake pad attachment, these are very good and makes the jobs of resetting the pistons in the calipers much easier for when you go to put the thicker pads in, espacially if the disks are slightly thicker as well.

 

Wipe the discs over with a bit of brake cleaner to get rid of the film as well.

 

You may need to modify your metal dust guard that sits at the back of the disks as the stock ones are made to wrap over the edge of the stock discs. A pair or pliars will do the trick easy enough or you could just dremel the folding edge off.

gonna rebuild the calipers in a few months, just want to see the diffrence with the bigger disks first. thanks for the advice though,

cheers

gonna rebuild the calipers in a few months, just want to see the diffrence with the bigger disks first. thanks for the advice though,

cheers

 

One word of warning regarding running in the discs and pads ...

 

As you are using the stock calipers the pads won't cover the entire disc surface (usually only around 66~69% contact patch). Run the brakes in gently for around 200~300 miles. Don't stand on the brakes, don't use them for prolonged periods of time and when you've come to a stand-still take your foot off the brakes (engage handbrake or neutral and handbrake if auto trans) to avoid hot spots forming. There have been recorded occassions where due to the use of smaller pads (as compared to the disc area) and heavy braking, the discs overheat locally and caused cracks. If all is run-in properly you shouldn't have a problem. Just my 2p worth!

 

Regards,

 

Dan

If I'm totally honest. Bigger discs but same size calipers and same size pads. I'm not sure you would even notice any improvement ?.

 

I mean the contact area will be exactly the same apart from the outta diameter, so the only gain I can see is it takes longer for the pad to do a full rotation of the disc.

http://s95014253.onlinehome.us/63104/104050.html

That should help with fitting and owt else mate, 350z ones, but exact same as what your doing.

smithy

If I'm totally honest. Bigger discs but same size calipers and same size pads. I'm not sure you would even notice any improvement ?.

 

I mean the contact area will be exactly the same apart from the outta diameter, so the only gain I can see is it takes longer for the pad to do a full rotation of the disc.

 

isnt that the idea, then it would take much less time to slow you down, a bigger diameter on the same hub should mean greater slowing power, i am also going to rebuild the calipers to give a better bite and am putting ferrodo pads on there, better than a 600 quid pair of brembos, which i dont think are that good having driven a few cars with them fitted.

If I'm totally honest. Bigger discs but same size calipers and same size pads. I'm not sure you would even notice any improvement ?.

 

I mean the contact area will be exactly the same apart from the outta diameter, so the only gain I can see is it takes longer for the pad to do a full rotation of the disc.

 

You ought to, assuming the calipers are working and the pistons are not seized, it's about greater mechanical advantage (eg a longer lever). In other words, the pads have a better chance of grabbing the disc.

I agree with what AndyP says above. The mechanical advantage (ie, caliper further from centre of hub) provides better braking.

 

Completely off-topic, I've just been offered distribution rights to the new Nissan GTR brake kits. 380mm discs with humongous calipers - can be yours for the princely sum of nearly £4.5k! These are currently being fitted to a R32 and R33 Skyline so should be possible on the Z32 as well ...

I agree with what AndyP says above. The mechanical advantage (ie, caliper further from centre of hub) provides better braking.

 

Completely off-topic, I've just been offered distribution rights to the new Nissan GTR brake kits. 380mm discs with humongous calipers - can be yours for the princely sum of nearly £4.5k! These are currently being fitted to a R32 and R33 Skyline so should be possible on the Z32 as well ...

 

4K fook me. Ill stick with me 14" rotoras