Hello, over the winter months I installed a Bend Pac 4 post lift in my garage and want to start doing my own maintenance on my '06 DB9, I want to change the brake pads I had the dealer change them once before but I was not there to observe, any feedback on what is involved would be great, thank you
Tom

 

Doing rotors & pads middle of next week, I will try to take pics and post them in my write up for you.

By the way, very smart getting a bend-pac. well done .
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CANNABIS SEEDS

 

Changing Aston brakes is quite easy. Just use pliers to pull spring clip slowly. Then use C-clamp to compress the piston. No need to remove calipers. Just slot in the brake pads.

 

As someone who does his own work, I offer moral support. Is it possible to get the AM shop manuals for your model, do they exist? And if you plan on keeping an AM for the long haul it's probably a good idea to stock up on rare parts.

 

In relation to this topic, my dealer stated that AM insists the rotors be replaced every time the pads are replaced. Do the rotors and pads really need to be replaced every time or can the rotors be replaced every other time or something? Any info. is relevant as I am due for new pads (any maybe rotors too) here shortly.

 

No, I don't believe the rotors must be replaced with every brake job unless the rotors are in bad shape or there is a lip at the edge. Aston factory OEM pads are not good and they give out too much dust. You can try Hawk, EBC and others..it's like night and day. Now I understand why the brake job at a dealer is such a rip-off cause they want to replace everything that is unnecessary and charge 3-4K per axle. I can replace the brake pads in my sleep for less than $200.

 

There is a minimal width of the rotors that you should periodically check to determine when the rotors are worn to the extent that they need to be replaced. I am on my third set of brake pads and will probably need to change my front rotors when I wear through these pads. The rear rotors are still good for some time. Depending on how you drive, what brake pads you use, etc will determine when you need to change the rotors. Aston Martin (as well as most manufacturers,) have established wear tolerances that you, the dealer, or independent can refer to regarding replacement.

 

I agree rotor replacement everytime is overkill. If you use a less abbrasive pad (like carbotech) you can go even longer without having to replace them.
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Headshop

 

Minimal width of front rotors is 30mm and 26mm for the rear. You also want to periodically inspect the rotors for any cracks- hairline cracks are OK, full thickness cracks require immediate replacement. Unlikely unless you overheat you rotors which mainly happens with track usage vs every day driving.

 

i downloaded the complete set of factory manuals from the AM web site using my Vin number as reference (they did hook me 80 Pounds) got all the service bulletins as well as a squeaks and rattles manual with full electrical wiring diagrams if you need a page email me i will try and copy and paste and send, it makes interesting reading V8 Vantage