Replacing the front brake pads (Renault Espace III)

Fig. 12.1. Front brake caliper:A - cars with gasoline engines; B - cars with diesel engines; 1 - brake disc; 2 - caliper holder; 3 - protective cover; 4 - guide pin; 8 - 5 - brake pads; 6 - support;7 - bleed nipple;8 - guide pin mounting bolt; 9 - anti-bounce plate.

Attention

• Always replace all pads on one axle of the vehicle, even if only one pad is worn. If brake pads are to be reinstalled, they must be marked before removal.
• To clean brakes, use only a special brake cleaner.

Removal

• Apply the parking brake and block the rear wheels with chocks.
• Loosen the front wheel mounting nuts. Raise the front of the car and place it on supports. Remove the front wheel.
• Use a syringe to suck out the brake fluid from the reservoir.
• Disconnect the connector from the brake pad wear sensor.
• Move the piston inside the working cylinder by manually moving the floating bracket of the caliper outward
• Remove the lower caliper mounting bolt, using the second wrench to hold the guide pin from turning. Do not remove the upper caliper mounting bolt or the hollow brake hose mounting bolt.
• Using two wrenches, loosen the guide pin mounting bolts (Fig. 12.2). Do not reuse these bolts.
• Remove the brake caliper floating bracket and secure it to the suspension spring to protect the brake hose from damage.
• Remove the anti-bounce plate
• Remove the brake pads.
• Do not press the brake pedal when the brake pads are removed.

Fig. 12.2. Unscrewing the guide pin mounting bolt: 1 - wear sensor connector; 2 - support; 3 - caliper holder

Fig. 12.3. Upward deflection of the brake caliper: 1 - support; 2 - anti-bounce plate

Fig. 12.4. Removing the anti-bounce plate and brake pads: 1 - inner brake shoe; 2 - outer brake shoe

Examination

• condition of piston dust cover;
• condition of the guide pins and their protective covers (lubricate guide pins if necessary);
• no play;
• brake disc wear.

Installation

• Replace damaged parts.
• Using the Fre. 823 tool or a G-clamp, press the piston into the caliper (Fig. 12.5). When the piston is pushed in, the brake fluid is forced out of the brake cylinder into the expansion tank, so constantly monitor the fluid level in the tank and, if necessary, pump it out a little. You can also press the piston into the caliper with a wooden rod or a hammer handle. In doing so, make sure that the piston does not become warped and that the surfaces of the piston and dust cover are not damaged.

Fig. 12.5. Using the Fre. 823 tool to press the piston into the caliper

• Install new brake pads with springs, ensuring that they are positioned correctly when installed. The pad with the brake pad wear indicator wire is installed on the inside.
• Install the anti-rattle plate so that the arrow points towards the front of the vehicle.
• Install the brake caliper floating bracket and new lower guide pin mounting bolt.
• Press the brake caliper and install the upper guide pin mounting bolt.
• Starting with the bottom bolt, tighten the guide pin mounting bolts to the specified torque.
• Connect the brake pad wear indicator lamp wire, ensuring it is positioned correctly.
• Replace the brake pads on the second front wheel in the same way.
• Install the wheels and lower the car to the ground.
• Press the brake pedal several times to press the brake pads against the brake disc.
• Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir and top up if necessary.