[Brakes] new front discs

[Gryffindor]

Hi all. I have a Nov 2003 1.4i (rpo  09871,TU3JP, MA 5N, 175/70/R14).

It needs new front discs - on a service this week they were found to be almost at min thickness, but I have decided to DIY along with new pads and save the quoted £100 labour costs, plus maybe a bit on the parts. The service with 4 tyres cost over £600 as it was!

My biggest concern is does this involve any work to sensors and Lexia, or is it just a case of swapping over metal bits?

Last time I did anything like this was around 30 years ago! To a tranny van.

Any recommendations on good brands welcome. One local factor has Apec at £23.50 inc each and Brakefit for £17.98. Of those two I would choose Apec, but are they okay? What others should I try to find?

I am aware that discs are heavy and postage will cost, so local collection is preferable.

[Mrwilson]

I've been using APEC brake parts on all my vehicles for a while now, no problems at all. Just fitted discs and pads to my B9 last week and front pads to my Rexton W this morning. Everything supplied has been correct, fitted properly and looks to be well made.

[Cooper]

Did you have to bleed the brakes after the new pads and disks were fitted? Im looking to do mine shortly too

[oilyrag]

No bleeding required as you can push back the piston without undoing the bleed nipple - ideally with the correct tool, but a G clamp works fine. Make sure you have the correct Torx bit to undo the disc locating screws.

[Cooper]

Thanks

[Tomcat3]

I used Eicher pads and discs from euro car parts using the discount codes they send out daily. Its a simple job  check disc dia and type before you start as some have Bosch calipers and others Lucas I think. Mine has Bosch calipers and vented discs I think it was the vans that had solid discs. Bosch caliper carrier has a 55 Torx  bit and they are bloody tight use a 3 ft breaker bar to free them off. As said just use an old pad on the piston and a G clamp to push the piston back but take reservoir cap off as you may need to remove excess fluid. Just be methodical and clean all surfaces and parts. If you have abs be careful of sensor and its wiring. 
The disc locating torx bolt can be seized use plusgas on them and a good fitting torx bit to remove, if they sheer off not to hard to drill out so you may want to have a couple handy before you start I think they are 6mm countersink off the top of my head.

[Cooper]

Cheers, will give it give it a go.

[Gryffindor]

Thanks v much from me too.

[Romahomepete]

Make sure the torx heads are clean so that the bits fir tight. I use a rattle gun to undo them as I can keep the pressure on and keep the torx bit in the head, Put the small bolts that hold the discs back with a smear of copper grease then if they need to come out in the future it is not such a struggle. The caliper holder Torx bolts should be put back with threadlock - you dont want one of those falling out
Hope that helps
Peter

[Gryffindor]

Thanks all for your useful tips. I have saved them all as a list and will put them into action.

Sorry for my silence - been away from home.