how do i change break pads on a vauxhall zafira?

first, open the bonnet and undo the cap on the brake fluid resevoir.
remove the road wheel, on the back of the caliper are two allen key bolts (usuall under two plastic caps) undo these and wiggle the caliper!!, (you might need to apply some pressure to release the pressure from the fluid on the pistons behind the pads. once the caliper has come away, unclip the old pads and push the pistons fully back into place. insert the new pads, preferable with a LITTLE copper grease on the back (to reduce brake squeal) then put the caliper back together, tightening the allen key bolts fully and replace the wheel. repeat on the other side.
once done start the engine and slowly pump the brake peddle untill the pressure has built up, check the brake fluid level and replace the cap.

some zafiras have a brake wear limiter, this is just an electrical wire coming from the back of the pad and simply unclips and clips back together

JOB DONE!

it is a strait forward job and should only take a few hours even if you have no experience

Mike Payter
May 2006