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Introduction

This tutorial shows you how to replace the rear brake pads on a 2009 Opel Astra H 1.3CDTI.

  1. 
Place two chocks in front of the front wheels and put them into gear.

Position the jack at the rear lifting point.

Remove the wheel trim if present and release, without completely unscrewing them, the 5 rear wheel screws using a 17 socket wrench or a cross wrench.
    • Place two chocks in front of the front wheels and put them into gear.

    • Position the jack at the rear lifting point.

    • Remove the wheel trim if present and release, without completely unscrewing them, the 5 rear wheel screws using a 17 socket wrench or a cross wrench.

  2. 
Raise the vehicle until the wheel no longer touches the ground using the jack and secure by placing a jack stand.

Finish loosening and removing the wheel bolts.

Remove the wheel.
    • Raise the vehicle until the wheel no longer touches the ground using the jack and secure by placing a jack stand.

    • Finish loosening and removing the wheel bolts.

    • Remove the wheel.

    • Release the handbrake to release the pressure on the pads.

  3. 
The caliper is held in place on its support by 2 13mm screws (red arrows) upper and lower and blocked by 2 15mm lock nuts (blue arrows).

Place a 15mm flat wrench on the lock nut to immobilize it and loosen the screw with a 13mm flat wrench. Remove the screw from the caliper and do the same with the lower screw.

Pull the caliper rearward to access the brake pads.
    • The caliper is held in place on its support by 2 13mm screws (red arrows) upper and lower and blocked by 2 15mm lock nuts (blue arrows).

    • Place a 15mm flat wrench on the lock nut to immobilize it and loosen the screw with a 13mm flat wrench. Remove the screw from the caliper and do the same with the lower screw.

    • Pull the caliper rearward to access the brake pads.

  4. 
Using wire, hang the caliper from the suspension spring to relieve the strain on cables and hoses.

Using a flat tool, lever the brake pads to remove them.

Using a flat tool, lever the brake pads to remove them.
    • Using wire, hang the caliper from the suspension spring to relieve the strain on cables and hoses.

    • Using a flat tool, lever the brake pads to remove them.

  5. 
Clean the pad support area with a brush and brake cleaner.

Compare the shape, dimensions and screws of the old brake pads with the new ones.

Systematically change the brake caliper screws, they are supplied with the pads.
    • Clean the pad support area with a brush and brake cleaner.

    • Compare the shape, dimensions and screws of the old brake pads with the new ones.

    • Systematically change the brake caliper screws, they are supplied with the pads.

  6. 
Place the piston pusher on the caliper and tighten the piston pusher to push the piston all the way in to make it easier to fit the new pads.

Apply copper grease to the pads at the pad-caliper contact areas, this will facilitate pad insertion and limit noise when braking.

Apply copper grease to the pads at the pad-caliper contact areas, this will facilitate pad insertion and limit noise when braking.
    • Place the piston pusher on the caliper and tighten the piston pusher to push the piston all the way in to make it easier to fit the new pads.

    • Apply copper grease to the pads at the pad-caliper contact areas, this will facilitate pad insertion and limit noise when braking.

  7. 
Position the new brake pads

Replace the brake caliper and install the brake caliper screws

Hold the lock nut in place with the 15mm open-end wrench and tighten the screw with the 13mm open-end wrench. Do the same with the second screw.
    • Position the new brake pads

    • Replace the brake caliper and install the brake caliper screws

    • Hold the lock nut in place with the 15mm open-end wrench and tighten the screw with the 13mm open-end wrench. Do the same with the second screw.

  8. 
Apply the handbrake.

Reassemble the wheel and tighten the screws, and reassemble the wheel trim if present.

Press the brake pedal several times to put the piston back in place.
    • Apply the handbrake.

    • Reassemble the wheel and tighten the screws, and reassemble the wheel trim if present.

    • Press the brake pedal several times to put the piston back in place.

    • Remove the jack stand and lower the jack to place the vehicle on the ground.

    • Do the same on the other wheel then remove the chocks and check that the handbrake is working properly.

    • Check the brake fluid level which should be between the minimum and maximum; if the level is insufficient, top up.

Finish Line

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distingou

Member since: 11/21/2017

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