Avensis Rear Brake Discs

[davemcmaster]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could help me? I have trawlled through every post on this forum regarding disk brakes and being a novice in this area I am treading carefully (brakes being somewhat important to my, and my family's well being). Usual story, time is short, money is tight, willing is there though! Don't get me wrong I am an Engineer (not mechanic) and can handle most DIY challenges.

Enough waffle, basically I have a couple of questions based on my Avensis 1.8 GS, registered Dec 2000. What type of disks (and pads, as there is much discussion on how this combination can affect performance) would you recommend and is the general procedure for changing disks (usually front disks) relevant to the rear of my old dear? Thanks

[Captain Weirdbeard]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could help me? I have trawlled through every post on this forum regarding disk brakes and being a novice in this area I am treading carefully (brakes being somewhat important to my, and my family's well being). Usual story, time is short, money is tight, willing is there though! Don't get me wrong I am an Engineer (not mechanic) and can handle most DIY challenges.

Enough waffle, basically I have a couple of questions based on my Avensis 1.8 GS, registered Dec 2000. What type of disks (and pads, as there is much discussion on how this combination can affect performance) would you recommend and is the general procedure for changing disks (usually front disks) relevant to the rear of my old dear? Thanks

Not sure but something worth your looking at is how they have worn. My 2001 2.0 GLS went into the big T's local for a service and I was informed that my discs needed a skim. They covered it on the warranty. A predecessor to that car, a 2.0 Carina E (I forget the year) also had warranty work done. Remarkably, this was way out of warranty time limits and the car wasn't even bought from that dealership but the service centre offered the repairs without asking. I guess Toyota feel very strongly about longevity in most of their vehicles to do this sort of thing.

If you haven't already checked, it could be worth seeing your local T approved centre before you spend any money, just in case you can blag a quick disc skim before maybe fitting new pads yourself. I know a seven year old car is maybe asking a lot but the Carina was six y/o and again when she was seven y/o we got some rear suspension parts that were changed free of charge on a service bulletin or summat like that.

Good hunting!

[davemcmaster]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could help me? I have trawlled through every post on this forum regarding disk brakes and being a novice in this area I am treading carefully (brakes being somewhat important to my, and my family's well being). Usual story, time is short, money is tight, willing is there though! Don't get me wrong I am an Engineer (not mechanic) and can handle most DIY challenges.

Enough waffle, basically I have a couple of questions based on my Avensis 1.8 GS, registered Dec 2000. What type of disks (and pads, as there is much discussion on how this combination can affect performance) would you recommend and is the general procedure for changing disks (usually front disks) relevant to the rear of my old dear? Thanks

Not sure but something worth your looking at is how they have worn. My 2001 2.0 GLS went into the big T's local for a service and I was informed that my discs needed a skim. They covered it on the warranty. A predecessor to that car, a 2.0 Carina E (I forget the year) also had warranty work done. Remarkably, this was way out of warranty time limits and the car wasn't even bought from that dealership but the service centre offered the repairs without asking. I guess Toyota feel very strongly about longevity in most of their vehicles to do this sort of thing.

If you haven't already checked, it could be worth seeing your local T approved centre before you spend any money, just in case you can blag a quick disc skim before maybe fitting new pads yourself. I know a seven year old car is maybe asking a lot but the Carina was six y/o and again when she was seven y/o we got some rear suspension parts that were changed free of charge on a service bulletin or summat like that.

Good hunting!

Cheers for the tip, I will give my Knaresbororugh Toyota dealer a call. You never know. I will post the result here.

[AndyHowarth]

HI there if you were looking for disks or pads i found this site which do EBC replacments.

http://www.europerformance.co.uk/

They seem to have a good selection, just go on the site select car make and model, then it gives you the replacment bits , click on whatever you need and that takes you to the (different years of models) ie Avensis 99-02 , and bobs your uncle. :D

[davemcmaster]

Thanks for the link.

Just figured out how to post pictures on here so I thought I would share a snapshot of the n/s rear disk. Apart from the surface rust it did not look worn, much less than 1 mm and no grroves! Anyway does anybody agree with my local Quik sh*t, that I need new disks?

[timson]

Thanks for the link.

Just figured out how to post pictures on here so I thought I would share a snapshot of the n/s rear disk. Apart from the surface rust it did not look worn, much less than 1 mm and no grroves! Anyway does anybody agree with my local Quik sh*t, that I need new disks?

Not for a disc that is only worn by 1mm. how did you get the photo up, I still can't work it out

[davemcmaster]

Thanks for the link.

Just figured out how to post pictures on here so I thought I would share a snapshot of the n/s rear disk. Apart from the surface rust it did not look worn, much less than 1 mm and no grroves! Anyway does anybody agree with my local Quik sh*t, that I need new disks?

Not for a disc that is only worn by 1mm. how did you get the photo up, I still can't work it out

The tricky bit is that you have to have a 'url link' to a web page. Unfortunately you cannot just paste a picture staight in. So you basically have to find a web page where you can stick the picture. I used a link from my web based email account which let me upload the photo there. Then I got the address of the image and clicked one of the little icons at the top (insert image) and pasted the address in there. The BB code help (down there below and to the right) also shows this and other effects.

[davemcmaster]

Just had another thought, could this whole problem be down to air in the system? Do I need to bleed? There is a lot of travel required to brake and even when braking begins my foot can continue to move some distance. I also have a VW Golf (2006) TDI, which seems to stops dead if my foot hovers close to the brake pedal. My Avensis brakes have never been what you could describe as razor sharp but there does seem to be some detoration recently. Thanks for any help.

[moonstone mart]

Have you had a look at the rear face of the discs (on both sides) yet? Alot of avensis discs require a skim or replacement due to corrosion on the rear faces.

Pretty easy job to do if you can hold a spanner the right way round :)

You may aswell give the brake system a bleed through with new fluid as it doesnt take that long and could improve the pedal feel.

Mart

[B3rtie]

Hi,

I just had the brakes fluid changed on my car. A lot more bite I thought at the pedal.

PS those disks dont look bad at all, if you were being through, you could file off the surface rust from the face of the disk.

This is the cheapest place I have found on the web for EBC products - http://www.ebcbrakesltd.co.uk/ which I also rate highly.

[davemcmaster]

Have you had a look at the rear face of the discs (on both sides) yet? Alot of avensis discs require a skim or replacement due to corrosion on the rear faces.

Pretty easy job to do if you can hold a spanner the right way round :)

You may aswell give the brake system a bleed through with new fluid as it doesnt take that long and could improve the pedal feel.

Mart

Thanks Mart, it never occurred to me that the other side could be at fault. I will have a look ASAP. As a matter of interest what is involved in skimming a disc? I have some history in a tool room environment so I assume that it either means turning a few thou of each surface on a lathe or similar result on a surface grinder.

[davemcmaster]

Hi,

I just had the brakes fluid changed on my car. A lot more bite I thought at the pedal.

PS those disks dont look bad at all, if you were being through, you could file off the surface rust from the face of the disk.

This is the cheapest place I have found on the web for EBC products - http://www.ebcbrakesltd.co.uk/ which I also rate highly.

Thanks, I have been looking at EBC and have wondered if they were any good. When you say you had the fluid changed do you mean you drained the whole system and replaced with new or just 'blead'? I was thinking that maybe I should get rid of the rust, even though it does blend in with the Autumn colours!

[moonstone mart]

Have you had a look at the rear face of the discs (on both sides) yet? Alot of avensis discs require a skim or replacement due to corrosion on the rear faces.

Pretty easy job to do if you can hold a spanner the right way round :)

You may aswell give the brake system a bleed through with new fluid as it doesnt take that long and could improve the pedal feel.

Mart

Thanks Mart, it never occurred to me that the other side could be at fault. I will have a look ASAP. As a matter of interest what is involved in skimming a disc? I have some history in a tool room environment so I assume that it either means turning a few thou of each surface on a lathe or similar result on a surface grinder.

Im pretty sure you can get brake discs sorted at an engineering place/machine shop but we do it another way at work.

We use a machine that skims the discs while still on the car. This ensures the discs are cut 'true' to the hubs as any runout is accounted for when the machine sets itself before cutting.

Here is a link to the machine we use at work.

http://www.procutinternational.com/pfm90-main.aspx

We have two PFM9.0 machines and they are probably used at least 5 times a day each. Makes the workshop manager happy as they were £3k each i believe!

Mart

[B3rtie]

Thanks, I have been looking at EBC and have wondered if they were any good. When you say you had the fluid changed do you mean you drained the whole system and replaced with new or just 'blead'? I was thinking that maybe I should get rid of the rust, even though it does blend in with the Autumn colours!

Yes, I meant that the entire brake fluid within the system was drained out and replaced through bleading each "leg" of the system in order, eventually all of the fluid is new. It is a car that is new to me and I didnt know how old the fluid was. Air in the system or as old brake fluid deteriorates it absorbs water which is easier to compress than brake fluid (I think) thus causing the squashy feeling barke pedal.

[davemcmaster]

Have you had a look at the rear face of the discs (on both sides) yet? Alot of avensis discs require a skim or replacement due to corrosion on the rear faces.

Pretty easy job to do if you can hold a spanner the right way round :)

You may aswell give the brake system a bleed through with new fluid as it doesnt take that long and could improve the pedal feel.

Mart

Thanks Mart, it never occurred to me that the other side could be at fault. I will have a look ASAP. As a matter of interest what is involved in skimming a disc? I have some history in a tool room environment so I assume that it either means turning a few thou of each surface on a lathe or similar result on a surface grinder.

Im pretty sure you can get brake discs sorted at an engineering place/machine shop but we do it another way at work.

We use a machine that skims the discs while still on the car. This ensures the discs are cut 'true' to the hubs as any runout is accounted for when the machine sets itself before cutting.

Here is a link to the machine we use at work.

http://www.procutinternational.com/pfm90-main.aspx

We have two PFM9.0 machines and they are probably used at least 5 times a day each. Makes the workshop manager happy as they were £3k each i believe!

Mart

Mart, I am so impressed with this little piece of kit that I may have to add it to the list of 'essential things to buy after winning the lottery!'

[davemcmaster]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could help me? I have trawlled through every post on this forum regarding disk brakes and being a novice in this area I am treading carefully (brakes being somewhat important to my, and my family's well being). Usual story, time is short, money is tight, willing is there though! Don't get me wrong I am an Engineer (not mechanic) and can handle most DIY challenges.

Enough waffle, basically I have a couple of questions based on my Avensis 1.8 GS, registered Dec 2000. What type of disks (and pads, as there is much discussion on how this combination can affect performance) would you recommend and is the general procedure for changing disks (usually front disks) relevant to the rear of my old dear? Thanks

Okay after much debate, discussion and general avoidance of actual hands on work, I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing wrong with my discs! Being a Process Engineer by trade then I have to prove this fully by measuring the exact disc thickness, taking on board previous comments regarding the rear of the disc, and also questions regarding the reliability of the actual caliper itself. Which throws up an entirely new question (I am not going to go there just yet!) I have just purchased myself a bargin Moore & Wright 0-25 Micrometer for the part one.

So my solution is..............change my brake pads and see how it goes! For those of you who like pictures check out the rust on my discs. I am going to remove this for asthetic reasons (can't think of any other, oh yes MOT coming up soon!). I was driving the car today and could not really fault the breaks. Is it all in my mind or are the Avensis brakes just a little too 'sluggish'. Comments welcome!

And my other real question is, has anybody out there been told that they have a problem with their brakes and feel that they don't? (Kwik Sh*t)

Dave

[peterc.lewis@blueyonder.co.uk]

Own a 1998 Avensis estate at the moment so any snotty nosed toe rag from s@@@ fit tells me I need new disks on the rear and I'll drop the drums on his toe.

I used to own a Lexus LS400. Took it to a main dealers for most of it's services (no thinking back I have no idea why either). First service I was advised I needed new disks. Second service, differeent dealershipm nope nothing wrong. Back to the first dealership, disks need replacing. Go to yet another garage, nope they are fine. Back to first, nope they are fine, look like they've been changed recently.

The mind boggles.

God only knows what would have happened if I'd have taken it to Qwik Stitch.

[davemcmaster]

Own a 1998 Avensis estate at the moment so any snotty nosed toe rag from s@@@ fit tells me I need new disks on the rear and I'll drop the drums on his toe.

I used to own a Lexus LS400. Took it to a main dealers for most of it's services (no thinking back I have no idea why either). First service I was advised I needed new disks. Second service, differeent dealershipm nope nothing wrong. Back to the first dealership, disks need replacing. Go to yet another garage, nope they are fine. Back to first, nope they are fine, look like they've been changed recently.

The mind boggles.

God only knows what would have happened if I'd have taken it to Qwik Stitch.

Thanks for the feedback, from everyone in fact, it has been most enlightening. Well after what seems like and eternity, today I finally replaced my rear pads.

Following the excellent instructions in the workshop section was very helpful. One small difference with my car was that there was no upper guide pin bolt on the caliper. When the lower bolt is removed the caliper swivels upward on the (upper) pivot pin. Realizing this took some considerable time but does make the whole process easier, as you only have to support the caliper not suspend it.

One other small point that I think is worth mentioning, when the new pads are in place and the piston has been pushed back there was still one last obsticle preventing the caliper pivoting back into place. The lower guide pin bush kept fouling the carrier. Again after much messing about I realized that the bush can move back (and was just seized up). After this it was a piece of p**s to complete.

So with the couple of adjustments for the unexpected, the first side took one full hour, but the second took just 15 minutes. I have been cautiously bedding in, but so far so good. I will keep this forum informed with any developments good or bad, but tonight am feeling pretty good!

One last thing. I measured my disk thickness, lets just say that I shall never visit my local Quick Sh*t again!

[dibber]

The Kwik bunch are well known for this sort of thing but it also applies to many garages. You see they can play the "safety card" with you and of course we all want our cars to be safe! Replacing discs is a nice earner for garages. I have heard of main dealers at this scam as well so best thing to do if you are told your discs need replaced is to get a few opinions.