Changing the front brake discs and pads on Alfa Romeo 147

Unscrew (without unscrewing) the wheel bolts and raise the front of the vehicle using a jack. Place a jack stand on each side. For added safety, it is possible to place wooden blocks on the rear wheels.

Remove the front wheels.

Remove the caliper spring using a large flat-head screwdriver.

Disconnect the pad wear indicator connector.

Place a large flathead screwdriver between the metal brake pad bracket and the piston. Use it as a lever to push it back. Due to the thickness of new brake pads, it is important to push the piston back as far as possible.

Check the brake fluid level, it may rise during the operation.

Locate the 2 brackets for fixing the stirrup. There is one at the top and one at the bottom.

Remove the 2 protective caps.

Unlock and unscrew the 2 columns using a 7 mm Allen key.

Remove the brake caliper by pulling it outwards.

Do not let the brake caliper "hang". This may damage the brake hose. It should be suspended using a wire from the suspension spring.

Remove the inner pad by removing the clips from the piston. Then pull it outward from the caliper.

Remove the outer plate by pulling it towards you.

Locate the 2 screws securing the support.

Unlock and unscrew the screws using a 19 mm flat or ring spanner.

Remove the support.

Locate, release and unscrew the brake disc fixing screw using a 12 mm open-end or ring spanner.

Remove the used disc by pulling forward.

Clean the hub using a wire brush.

Check the correspondence of the new part.

Place the disc in place and screw in and lock the disc fixing screw using a 12 mm flat or ring spanner.

In this specific case it is not necessary to degrease the brake disc, which is covered with an anti-corrosion coating.

The anti-corrosion coating will come off with the first braking.

Apply thread lock to the 2 caliper bracket fixing screws.

Place the caliper bracket in place.

Tighten the 2 bracket fixing screws by hand.

Tighten the 2 screws using a 19 mm flat or ring spanner.

Clean the four pad contact points on the caliper using a flat-blade screwdriver.

Also clean the inside of the caliper.

Check the fit of the new brake pads.

Fit the inner pad by inserting its clips into the piston. Push it all the way in.

Insert the outer pad, the two lugs on the pad must be properly seated on the caliper.

Make sure that the wear indicator wire is brought out in the middle of the caliper.

Insert the brake caliper. Check the correct position of the pads.

Apply thread lock to the columns. Do not hesitate to lightly grease them.

Put the 2 columns in place. Screw and lock them using a 7 mm Allen key.

Replace the 2 protective caps on the columns.

Install and reconnect the pad wear indicator connector.

Install the caliper spring using a large flat-head screwdriver.

Go back to step 2 to complete the other side of the vehicle.

Replace the wheels and tighten the screws as much as possible. Lower the vehicle and tighten the wheel screws.

Very important step! Pump the brake pedal several times so that the pistons return to a good position and stop when the pedal is hard. Don't forget to check the brake fluid level, add some if necessary.

New pads and discs need a running-in period, so avoid heavy braking for the first 300 kilometres.