How do I change the rear brake pads on my 2004 Vauxall Vectra estate?

pointed nose pliers do the job just as easily, however dont forget to take top off brake fluid reservoiur and undo the bleed valve on each wheel as you do it, helps the piston go back in, and then bleed the brakes. Jobs done, i no, i am no mechanic but with assistance of a relative we have just changed the back pads on a 54 plate vectra cdti

Dave w
November 2008

Chris is right about the rewind tool, I've just spent ages trying just the adaptor on a ratchet and it doesn't work! A point to note, I bought the right pads from Halfords using their parts book, WRONG PADS!, be sure the ones you're taking off have the same spring setup as the new ones, mine are different for some reason. It's never as easy as you'd think is it!
The job itself is easy: Put the car in gear and release the handbrake. 1: With road wheel removed and car safely jacked up, there are 2 plastic domed caps. 2: prise off the cover of the bottom cap revealing a 7mm Allen key bolt. 3: Remove this bolt, a bit fiddly but persevere. 4: Lift lower end of caliper, it pivots on the top bolt. 5: Remove pads, rewind piston and fit new ones. 6: Refit caliper lower bolt. NOTE: When you've put the wheel back on be sure to gently pump the footbrake AND use the handbrake a couple of time to reset the piston. Hope this helps.

Sean Wright
August 2007

you need a wind back tool for the pistons mate

chris jones
July 2007