Brake vibration/ noise problem

[Pete_RS2]

Is it possible to replace the original RS2 calipers with Porsche 996 monoblocks to avoid this recurring problem ? I guess the 304x32 RS2 front discs will be too wide ?

[dan_b]

Are there any other calipers that will run a 304x32 disc? If I changed the caliper I'd probably have to end up changing everything around again wouldn't I - new brackets, discs, pads etc. Argh.

[Mikes2]

My calipers are in a box in the garage due to this problem. I'll tackle it during Christmas week.

If successful, I'll pass on the info.

[dan_b]

@Mike - did you go the same route as last time? Let me know how you get on!

[Pete_RS2]

This caliper noise has returned on mine. I guess I'll have to renew the stainless steel sprung plates. Any tips for removing the screws ?

@Mike - Did you get your's done ?

@Dan - Did you remove the plates when you stripped your's down recently ?

[dan_b]

@Peter - at the weekend I tried to remove the sprung plates, but couldn't get an allen key to engage the nut. In the end I used brute force and ignorance to try and clean behind the plates as well as I could - basically I wedged a thick screwdriver down the back and scraped as much corrosion out as I could until I could see daylight through the gap. I then used a hammer to whack the plate flat again. Not hi-tech I know, but there you go. It hasn't completely removed all the corrosion but I just couldn't get the sprung plate allen nut off - it's got a rounded head as well so can't even use any grabbing tool on it.

I also did two other things - first was remove the anti-squeal shims, second was that I ground down the edges of the pads by a mm or so on each edge to try and give it a bit more free play in the caplier. It's worked to extent, but it's not perfect and it's going to come back I'm sure. I've got to replace the pads anyway now as one is cracked, so I'll probably give all of the above another go this weekend

I'm starting to form the opinion that these Brembo calipers are really rather cr*p. Yes I can happily say my brake performance improvement has been superb, but they've caused me a hell of a lot of problems!

[audiman]

This is a very common problem on the Brembo calipers. I have tried to remove those screws before and i just could move them even using a hammer and chisel they just wouldnt move. Had to replace the calipers in the end. Grinding the pads is a short term measure, the only real way to cure these problems is to replace the caliper. Expensive but a must.

[robo]

Been there done that, I had to drill the 3 little screws out but the rest come out by heating them, calliper will get burn but I did not mind cos I had to paint them.
Dan/Pete does the noise sounds like wheel ball bearing on its way out?
______
Rob

[Pete_RS2]

Yes driving along it does sound like a wheel bearing. When crawling along in traffic it sounds like if you blow in the top of a bottle.

I have to paint mine too so maybe heating them is the answer.

[Alistair E]

I think I mentioned before that I had the same problem, now replaced with monoblocs. I actually split the calipers into two, something that I later discovered you should not do. Apparently the connecting bolts are stretch bolts and I also couldn't find out the correct torque for them.
Those little allen bolts that hold the spring plates are a complete git. After much swearing I ended up using a junior hacksaw to make a small cut in the head. I then used a hammer and chisel to tap them round. Once they started to move they were fairly easy to get out.

Alistair

[dan_b]

That's exactly the noise I've been getting, it's damned annoying. I'm reluctant to change the calipers just yet as I've had them only 12 months and I don't think my budget can stretch to doing another brake conversion!

Good idea to saw a groove in the top of the bolt - maybe if there's time at the Garage meet...

[Pete_RS2]

Are you going to order some new spring plates Dan ?

[dan_b]

I was thinking of that as the only realistic solution - going to see if they're available/ how much they cost from VAG Parts...

[dan_b]

No one's answering at VAG Parts! This is the right number isn't it?
01793 487700

[Alistair E]

Dan

Don't forget to source some new bolts to replace the one's for the spring plates. Obviously the old ones will be useless if you have to mangle them to get them out.

Alistair