Noob DIY Budget Brakes
 

Hello fellow rx7 fiends making my first DIY guide on any forum so don't expect anything spectacular.I am not a mechanic so this is at your own risk. I purchased my brake rotors from Pettit Racing slotted and drilled (299$ USD) and the Hawk HPS pads from RX7 store (116$ USD). Since i'm in quebec I suggest buying rotors local since they weight 54LBS in the box (shipping and customs ain't cheap.) Anyhow the process is pretty simple if you know were your going. Jack up the rex n be safe. Start with the front brakes it's a bit easier.
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3536/jackedu.jpg
Take off your front wheel. Remove the two bolts to remove rotor.
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/7285/76057192.jpg
Removing the Caliper 1st remove the clip with flat screwdriver 2nd remove brake line put a mini bucket under to catch spilling brake fluid 3rd and 4th with a long ratchet and the caliper should slide off.
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/9504/65668425.jpg
Remove 1st clip holding the two pins in place. 2nd remove pins. 3rd old pads and clips should fall out after removing pins.
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/5664/83565470.jpg
Compress pistons with a clamp.
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/2718/34564586.jpg
Grease up the plates that were on the old pads before putting them on the new ones. High Temp Grease comes in the Hawk box. Plates with the arrows go on the outside. Don't grease the pad were it contacts the rotor!!!
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/1144/67554531.jpg
Reassemble caliper with the help of the pins
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/4017/16268927.jpg
Fully assembled front caliper
http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/8008/55681565.jpg
Install new rotor assemble in reverse order.
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/6605/76619952.jpg
Now for the rear caliper.
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/3440/68462936.jpg
1st clip for hand brake cable 2nd disconnect hand brake 3rd remove brake line use a mini bucket for spilling fluid, 4th bottom bolt and 5th top bolt
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/3711/40562861.jpg
Now everything including rotor comes off one piece
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/2128/12361076.jpg

You'll see two big bolts with an L and a G written on them. Mark one of them they have to go back in the same spot.
http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/6412/67629163.jpg
To compress the piston you must turn clockwise with some needle nose pliers.
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/3742/77378747.jpg
Grease up your L, G and the back plates of the pads assemble with v clip
http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/941/58236522.jpg
To assemble the back caliper is a pain. take your time and make sure the pistons fully compressed to avoid restarting.
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/125/88754473.jpg
Assemble in reverse order, bleed lines and enjoy the bad ass brakes!
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/2559/23649023.jpg

awesome!

Thanks!:icon_tup:

I just took a break from doing my brakes bc i didn't know how to compress the rear brakes back in, now back to work.hahhaa

I was stuck on the back piston for a while too till I figured it out lol

You shouldn't need to disconnect the brake line to remove the calipers, just be careful and place them somewhere where the line isn't severely bent or supporting the weight. You really shouldn't remove the line from the fronts if you don't have to; I've found the aluminum threads are easy to damage, especially on older cars which have had plenty of time for corrosion to weld the fittings together.

If you are on a budget, why get the expensive and pointless drilled/slotted rotors?

Other than those 2 things, nice, clear write up.