bent paper clips on my brake pads...

simonineaston · Post by **simonineaston** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 5:59 pm

Hello you jolly BX types out there - can you answer me this small Q?!
At the week-end I fitted new front brake pads (and followed advice from this forum with respect to greasing the shafts upon which the calipers are supposed to slide...). The small clip that retains the L shaped piece that slides in to hold the pads in place, took very little effort to remove, and replace - should I get a new one? and like-wise, the straightened-out paperclip affairs that sit on the front edge of each of the 4 pads - are they vital? or can I forget about them?? The ones I've got are rusty and tired. They just seem to sit very loosely on the pads, however I suspect they are very important somehow, but since there were no replacements supplied with the pads, I'm rather uncertain if they are needed or not...

Mr B · Post by **Mr B** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 8:20 pm

The clip holding the L shape in place is vital as the L piece retains the pads in the caliper. Without it there is a chance the pads can fall out of the caliper. Not good. The other wires hold a tension on the pads otherwise the pads will clatter around under braking. Have a look in Ebay for a kit with all the retaining bits in, I bought a set a few weeks ago for the vast outlay of £2!

simonineaston · Post by **simonineaston** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 1:32 pm

Thanks for the tip - there's a "brake fitting kit" on ebay right now

Oscar · Post by **Oscar** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 8:53 am

Get a relationship going with your local scrappy or independent BX specialist - they're invaluable for those fiddly little bits.

Post by **docchevron** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 1:34 pm

Agreed. As you're in Bristol I fully and heartily recomend
Britol 2cv's.
16a Hampton Rd
Redland.

0117 9743947.

They are very lovely chaps and have been, er, providing for me for years!

Usually worth talking to Mannie, but you cant this week cos he's in Spain playing golf!

simonineaston · Post by **simonineaston** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 2:33 pm

Thanks for the recommendation Doc - I know exactly where you mean - just down the hill from the mini roundabout up from the Highbury Vaults

Post by **docchevron** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 2:38 am

Indeed, that used to be my local (I lived about 100yards from it!).

I can be found loitering down the garage every friday lunchtime putting the world to rights and hitting stuff with hammers