Help needed,
I have just rebuilt my rear callipers using a big red kit inc new Pistons, I followed the superb write up by Steve as a guide. To be honest not the easiest of jobs and certainly not to be done if your in a rush !
All now reassembled with new discs and pads, I have a great pedal and great handbrake on the drivers side but only a partial one on the passengers
I rebuilt both callipers the same and wound out the Pistons the same amount prior to assembly.
during the course of a long day I have taken it off again and stripped it down just to be sure, everything was correct and the lever moves the piston. The cables are both free, but still the drivers side locks the wheel but the passenger works but but sufficient to lock the wheel. (I can turn the jacked up wheel)
In total I gave now spent two and a half days on the entire job and I am mist disapointed with my efforts.
I am open to all suggestions inc a litre of petrol and a match !
Regards Ian
Have you: Taken the tension completely off the handbrake cables, then pumped the pedal at least ten times, then re-tensioned the cables?
Thanks for your suggestion, i am sure I have esp with the drivers side working, but I will disconnect the cable and follow you sequence as I am sure it' can only be something straight forward .
Thanks Ian
Just gone through exactly the same problem today. Remove the centre console, remove all tension from the cable (nut next to handbake). Pump the brake pedal like crazy, re-tighten the nut gradually testing the clicks every so often until you get to about 6 to 8. Took me days to find the solution.
Regards
Another Ian
MR2 MK3 2002 Mansfield, UK
Thanks Ian, I will have a go in the morning.
Just a thought, though I'm sure you'll have this covered already:
Is the nipple on the back of the pad properly engaged in the piston? Just that it won't wind out if not.
Yes it is, but excellent point
Bleed the brakes perhaps? When you say great foot pedal, are you sure it's pulling both sides?
Thanks for all advice, all now sorted
I now have a puncture - doh
Cheers Ian
I have just purchased 2003 roadster and it's got 10 months mot, had new radiator, and new front brake pads. I took it out Wednesday and smoke started coming out of the front n,s wheel. I called AA & he took wheel off and said the brakes had seizd up. He took out the piston cleaned it before putting it back. He said I needed to get new calliper ASAP. It was ok driving it home, but it's worried me as to weather I need to get it done now, before I drive it again. The garage said they can free it up, or fit new one. But the AA man freed it up to enable me to drive it home. About 10 miles. I called the guy I purchased it from, & he said he put new brake pads on the front 6 weeks ago. I have noticed the handbrake it high and wondered if it is all related after reading this forum. Any one got any ideas for me please? All suggestion greatly appreciated. P.S. Not very mechanically minded. Willing to learn. Been looking at calippers and they all look the same to me....'used'.
Hi all, can anyone advise me whether or not to get a new calipper and pads fitted to n.s front. It seizd up and started smoking. Aargh, pretty scared. Didn't quite know where the smoke was coming from at first. Had the piston taken out and cleaned. Was advised to get new calipper and pads ASAP. It drives ok now tho and I'm checking the rim every time for heat, and so far, no heat. But I'm wondering if it something that is urgent to get done, also would I need to get both front ones done at the same time? As some forums advise. Thank you for any suggestions to enable me to sort it out.
Yes, best to get both sides done. Before you invest in calipers, Have a local mechanic 'lubricate the sliders'. She or he will know what that means. If they don't, find another mechanic. Also ask for two new sets of pads.
Quote from: "Krissiesherwood"Hi all, can anyone advise me whether or not to get a new calipper and pads fitted to n.s front. It seizd up and started smoking. Aargh, pretty scared. Didn't quite know where the smoke was coming from at first. Had the piston taken out and cleaned. Was advised to get new calipper and pads ASAP. It drives ok now though and I'm checking the rim every time for heat, and so far, no heat. But I'm wondering if it something that is urgent to get done, also would I need to get both front ones done at the same time? As some forums advise. Thank you for any suggestions to enable me to sort it out.
Hi Krissiesherwood,
I bought reconditioned on flea bay from a vendor called biggred4u early 2016. The pair cost £200 with £60 cash back when I sent them the old ones. Brakes is not something to put off. The job isn't too difficult to do yourself and in my opinion shouldn't be put off. 2 MOT'S later they are still going strong.
I am not a mechanic and I am sure that someone will have some good advice for you shortly on the reason for the smoke.
All the best
Ian
MR2 MK3 2002 Mansfield, UK
Quote from: "ianfcliffen"Quote from: "Krissiesherwood"Hi all, can anyone advise me whether or not to get a new calipper and pads fitted to n.s front. It seizd up and started smoking. Aargh, pretty scared. Didn't quite know where the smoke was coming from at first. Had the piston taken out and cleaned. Was advised to get new calipper and pads ASAP. It drives ok now though and I'm checking the rim every time for heat, and so far, no heat. But I'm wondering if it something that is urgent to get done, also would I need to get both front ones done at the same time? As some forums advise. Thank you for any suggestions to enable me to sort it out.
Hi Krissiesherwood,
I bought reconditioned on flea bay from a vendor called biggred4u early 2016. The pair cost £200 with £60 cash back when I sent them the old ones. Brakes is not something to put off. The job isn't too difficult to do yourself and in my opinion shouldn't be put off. 2 MOT'S later they are still going strong.
I am not a mechanic and I am sure that someone will have some good advice for you shortly on the reason for the smoke.
All the best
Ian
MR2 MK3 2002 Mansfield, UK
I am a mechanic.
Kwood
Hello and welcome.
As per Carolyn, you could also tell them it wants to be CeraTec (spelling?) greasse that is used. If they look blank, walk away.
Quote from: "Carolyn"I am a mechanic.
Mild understatement of the day. s:) :) s:)
Excellent, thanks for that. The pads were replaced 2months ago, so the seller told me, and then verified by the AA man who came to my rescue. He said I need new calipper and something else, which I can't remember, and also advised new pads, even though he said he can see they have been replaced. I've seen calippers on flea bay and they look just as dirty as the ones already on. But I'm not sure how it came to get stuck and start smoking in the first place. The brake locked on and metal got red hot, Oooh nasty. Didn't know where it was coming from at first, but as soon as I stopped the car, it was obvious something was not right in the wheel. Is it important to do both front calippers, even though they seems ok?
Quote from: "Carolyn"Quote from: "ianfcliffen"Quote from: "Krissiesherwood"Hi all, can anyone advise me whether or not to get a new calipper and pads fitted to n.s front. It seizd up and started smoking. Aargh, pretty scared. Didn't quite know where the smoke was coming from at first. Had the piston taken out and cleaned. Was advised to get new calipper and pads ASAP. It drives ok now though and I'm checking the rim every time for heat, and so far, no heat. But I'm wondering if it something that is urgent to get done, also would I need to get both front ones done at the same time? As some forums advise. Thank you for any suggestions to enable me to sort it out.
Hi Krissiesherwood,
I bought reconditioned on flea bay from a vendor called biggred4u early 2016. The pair cost £200 with £60 cash back when I sent them the old ones. Brakes is not something to put off. The job isn't too difficult to do yourself and in my opinion shouldn't be put off. 2 MOT'S later they are still going strong.
I am not a mechanic and I am sure that someone will have some good advice for you shortly on the reason for the smoke.
All the best
Ian
MR2 MK3 2002 Mansfield, UK
I am a mechanic.
No offence intended. I started my post, got called away and obviously finished it after your post.
MR2 MK3 2002 Mansfield, UK
If one has seized, it's an indication of lack of maintenance, so best to get both done. Once a set of pads has been fried, they are done for. More often than not a good lubrication job will sort calipers out. I'm not about to advise someone with very little mechanical experience to work on brakes. The AA man might be correct, but usually calipers can be rescued. I could go into a long explanation about how these calipers work, but I'm trying to advise the best way forward. The fact that the caliper appears to be behaving itself now, tells me that a good basic service should suffice.
If, after that, it misbehaves again, then rebuilt calipers will be in order.
As a set of pads looks to be on the shopping list.
Pagid work very well. Euro car parts £35. (shop around)
These are light cars and if running stock power stock pads will stop you just fine.
Quote from: "Carolyn"I'm not about to advise someone with very little mechanical experience to work on brakes.
Oh, you could have warned me before I replaced all 4 pads and discs, handbrake cables and rear calipers (as well as rebuilding the old ones) and replacing the brake fluid s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Thank everyone who has commented here, it defiantly means I'm going to go to mechanic 'well armed' with lots of knowledge and hopefully won't get the wool pulled over my "mince pies". Never a good look.
I'm going to try ro get a new set of pads, tub of good recommend grease, just incase they don't have the CetaTec!!!
Maybe try to find a guy who will let me watch. Always wanting to learn how to maintain the car. Thumbs up.
All sounds very good. 'Ceratec' is made by 'Mintex' and it comes in a tube (you on't need much). Your local parts store, or Ebay...
Watching is a very good idea.
Oops, disaster....I looked at the handbrake today, partially removed the casing to see underneath, the handbrake is very high, I removed the d.s rear wheel to look at the condition of the brake discs and pads, the disc was grubby, so I wire brushed it and just had a good around, didn't touch anything else.. It seemed a bit stiff when jacked up so I thought it was brake disc rubbing, so I thought it should be OK after little clean up. Didn't put anything else on, just put it all back together. Took for spin and smelt rubber, which I think was just the pads. Then engine management light came on. Checked oil and water, all ok, although oil was bit low, so topped it up. Engine light still on. I'm going to take it to garage to sort it out, but wondered if anyone has tried those "self diagnostic " gadgets yet, and are they coded? keeping my fingers crossed it isn't anything too expensive.
OK, they're called an OBD reader. We all have them (I think?) It's below our name!
They're around a fiver if you have an Android phone, £20 for a standalone one.
It simply gives you a code - you look it up on here and you'll find a post that tells you the problem. General are P0171 and so on - it's an O2 sensor.
It's a really simple job which will cost you around £55 if you do it yourself or £150+ if you go to Toyota. Personally, I've learned not to be tempted to use cheap unbranded sensors - you could fall into Emission problems or it may not last. Proper Denso ones should be good for a few years.
Hi 'the other Stu, thanks for that, I will look up getting one. I'm also going to look for the plug in point on my 2003 roadster, I am hoping it is easy to find.
I'm not very technically minded, so hope I will be able to do it myself, do you have to download an 'app' on the phone to be able to read it?
Kind regards, Krissie. s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
If you buy the bluetooth one, you need to find the app called "Torque"
It's easy to find the plug - it's on the right hand side of the steering wheel, a few inches under the switches (you might want to kneel on the floor and look underneath that panel).
I wouldn't suggest leaving it permanently plugged in unless you're happy with the ABS and airbag lights on constantly s:D :D s:D
Don't worry, there's nothing wrong with the ABS or Airbag. The onboard computer (ECU) is constantly sending out signals and the OBD reader picks them up. The ECU expects to get a response, but the OBD reader doesn't bother sending it back.
Kwood.
As stu. Get a reader. Will pay for itself first time you use it.
Get the code. Come on here. Wisdom will poor forth.
My moneys on an o2 sensor.
Quote from: "Krissiesherwood"I removed the d.s rear wheel to look at the condition of the brake discs and pads, the disc was grubby, so I wire brushed it
This really isn't a good idea!
s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce: Hi all, update.... I checked fuel cap/ oil/water....oil was bit low, so topped it up. Disconnecd battery, light didn't come back on, so took it for short spin, and it still never came back on, so fingers crossed, it will be okay. I am definitely going to invest in one of those detectors tho. I know the back brakes need adjusting anyway, so it will be good idea to see what it's advising me. Very much appreciated all comments on this forum. Will keep posted. s:roll: :roll: s:roll:
Quote from: "Krissiesherwood":bounce: Hi all, update.... I checked fuel cap/ oil/water....oil was bit low, so topped it up. Disconnecd battery, light didn't come back on, so took it for short spin, and it still never came back on, so fingers crossed, it will be okay. I am definitely going to invest in one of those detectors though. I know the back brakes need adjusting anyway, so it will be good idea to see what it's advising me. Very much appreciated all comments on this forum. Will keep posted. s:roll: :roll: s:roll:
Hi Krissie, the OBD2 code reading unit won't really tell you what may or may not be wrong with your brakes other than perhaps (and I stand to be corrected here) any issues with the ABS as they work on electrical data collected by various sensors and sent to the engine management system. In the most basic terms you plug them in, turn your key to acc and the code reader shows any fault codes stored in the engine management system. You then look these codes up to diagnose what parts etc might be at fault.
They can't tell you about faults or issues with things like brakes or suspension as these don't have that type of sensor in these cars.
Disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes or so will usually clear any fault codes from the system but if you've not sorted the problem don't be surprised to see the light come back on the next time you drive it as some faults take a few drives to reappear.
Where are you based? There's probably a friendly member not far away who'll happily read any codes for you, although as said before if you've had the battery off you need to wait for the codes to be stored again.
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s:roll: :roll: s:roll: Hi 'thanks for that, I didn't realise.
I am based in Kent, Herne Bay. It would be great if someone on here can help me. As a new menber, who isn't too good with navigating around this forum, not sure how to try and contact someone.
Anyone who can assist me, I will be grateful. Many thanks krissie s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:
Quote from: "Krissiesherwood":roll: Hi 'thanks for that, I didn't realise.
I am based in Kent, Herne Bay. It would be great if someone on here can help me. As a new menber, who isn't too good with navigating around this forum, not sure how to try and contact someone.
Anyone who can assist me, I will be grateful. Many thanks krissie s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:
Sorry, I'm East Yorkshire or I'd be glad to [emoji23]
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Hi 'Midlife'.......East Yorkshire, yes I think it's a bit too far. Thank you anyway. I will keep waiting for someone nearer perhaps.
Quote from: "ihs61"Thanks for all advice, all now sorted
I now have a puncture - doh
Cheers Ian
Can I just ask what your final solution was? I have the same issue with my car.
s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce: Hi everyone, I have a mk3 roadster 2003, wingmirrors won't bend in, the guy I braught it from said they don't, so I havnt tried. They are very stiff, so I tie a plastic carrier bag on it whilst parked up. It's parked on busy road, so preferably would like to be able to fold them in, but I was told today that they 'do' fold in, and must be stiff.
Read a few posts on here and noted that some do and some don't.
Don't want to force it, was wondering if a bit of DW40 will do, plus a bit of ''L'bow'' grease?
All advice really appreciated. s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:
Personally I would prefer to leave the mirror out because I think it's better to lose a mirror than having someone scratch the whole side of the car by driving too close.
Quote from: "Krissiesherwood":bounce: Hi everyone, I have a mk3 roadster 2003, wingmirrors won't bend in, the guy I braught it from said they don't, so I havnt tried. They are very stiff, so I tie a plastic carrier bag on it whilst parked up. It's parked on busy road, so preferably would like to be able to fold them in, but I was told today that they 'do' fold in, and must be stiff.
Read a few posts on here and noted that some do and some don't.
Don't want to force it, was wondering if a bit of DW40 will do, plus a bit of ''L'bow'' grease?
All advice really appreciated. s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:
If they're original then they should fold, bit of chosen lubricant, hold the stalk with one hand while gently but firmly encouraging it with the other.
The door skins are prone to flex if you don't brace the mirror stem, maybe get an extra pair of hands if they're really stiff and hit it a few times with the heel of your hand.
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Quote from: "lamcote"Personally I would prefer to leave the mirror out because I think it's better to lose a mirror than having someone scratch the whole side of the car by driving too close.
Personally I would rather people learnt to drive properly s:wink: :wink: s:wink: but totally agree better leaving the mirrors out ( we have Dick/Dean who probably have more mirrors than panels) until people start driving properly.
Hi everyone, I'm back after few weeks working in Spain. Glad to be back, mishap I could have used the car out there, weathers ideal. I have now got problem with the 'tin/metal Petrol cover, I put petrol in, and closed the plastic cap, then the outer cover, which was a bit wobbly. The engine management light came on again, it happened the last time I put fuel in and I double checked it, and disconnecd the battery and the light didn't come in again. Until this time.....except the cover didn't open, so my brother helped me get it open, I flicked up the interior petrol cap switch, and he tried opening it, after a few goes, we got it open, & tried to take it off, got the screws out, but couldn't get it off, tried pressing in the 'catch' but still couldn't get it off. Brother thinks it has to be done by going under the wheel arch, but I'm not sure, it seems like a lot of work. It's obviously got something to do with the engine management system. My mechanic at local garage thinks not. He wants it in for an hour to see what the problem is. Then there is the cost for 'probable new part' on top. Anyone any ideas please. s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce: s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:
Not mishap....should be...."wish " I could have used the car out there.
Thank you to the messages about the wing mirrors that won't bend in.....I didn't think of the fact of people getting too close and scratching the car down the side....so I have decided to leave them out and not try and bend them in, I've tied a orange plastic carrier bag on it when parked up. It catches drivers attention, as if it gets a bit windy, it lets people see the little red car parked up. Flapping about in the wind, might make'em slow down a bit. Like the other guy said, "ours is a quiet road, unless there's a lot of traffic" s:lol: :lol: s:lol: s:roll: :roll: s:roll:
Hi everyone, I'm looking for a petrol cap cover in red if possible. My one was very wobbly and it has now been taken off as it started getting stuck, and wouldn't open when I was trying to get petrol.
I'm just looking for one from MR2 Roadster 03 plate.
Any ideas people? Far too expensive for new one 'atm, especially with Christmas coming. I'm not in any hurry so happy to wait for one.
Let me wish you all a happy Christmas while I am 'logged on' today. s:flame: :flame: s:flame: s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown: s:crazyeyes: :crazyeyes: s:crazyeyes: s:roll: :roll: s:roll:
P.S.
My old one which the mechanic has removed for me, is made out of tin!!! Not sure if this is usual?
Seems funny to have a flimsy lightweight petrol cover made from tin s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
look up rutland mr2 in our affilates section.
I dare say dean could even do it in the colour of choice