C5 brake pads - with electric handbrake?

[Johnno]

Hi there. I need to change the front pads on a '59 plate 2.2. It has the electric handbrake, with which I'm not familiar. Before I start tomorrow morning, what's the order of work with this model - anybody know?

Any advice gratefully received.

John.

[bobins]

Nothing too alarming on the front brakes on these - very conventional brakes. If they're the Teves type then Citroen reckon to take off both caliper bolts (hidden behind plastic caps) to change the pads, if they're TRW - then just the lower caliper bolt to remove and tilt the caliper up to replace the pads, then replace that bolt with a new one. They also recommend undoing the various brake hose clamps to allow for easy movement of the caliper to avoid straining the hose. A piston rewind tool would be very helpful - watch for the brake fluid level when rewinding. Check all the usual seals and gaiters for wear/damage. Tigthening torques for the caliper bolts - Teves: 27Nm. TRW: 29Nm. Apply brakes several times with the engine running before setting off.
Cheers,
Robin

[Johnno]

Thanks Robin, that sounds straightforward. I also meant to ask if the piston re-wind is 'handed'. I've a vague memory of the off-side being a left-hand thread, or am I just imagining that?

[sparksie]

Thanks Robin, that sounds straightforward. I also meant to ask if the piston re-wind is 'handed'. I've a vague memory of the off-side being a left-hand thread, or am I just imagining that?

Hi Johnno
Somebody with actual knowledge will be along shortly, but I read a post somewhere on here, over the last couple of days, that suggests turning them anti-clockwise would be not-a-good-thing!
In my experience, there are very few anti-clock pistons, so I always try clockwise first when in any doubt.
Never damaged one yet, though I have heard of damage being caused by turning some the wrong way!
If you can, wait for informed posters to get back. If not, go gently, clockwise, and see how you get on.

[Johnno]

Thanks, Sparksie - makes sense. I'm being uber cautious as when I last changed pads I managed to disengage the piston in some way, which meant that it would no longer retract, with the result that I had to obtain a replacement s/hand caliper. It may be that there was some other reason for the fault, but I've done many such changes on previous Xantias and BXs, with that one being the first to go wrong and I've a vague notion that spinning anti-clock was the answer. But memory is a fickle thing, esp. with advancing years, so I think I'll go and do the prep work and wait for confirmation. I have faith it will come!

[sparksie]

Thanks, Sparksie - makes sense. I'm being uber cautious as when I last changed pads I managed to disengage the piston in some way, which meant that it would no longer retract, with the result that I had to obtain a replacement s/hand caliper. It may be that there was some other reason for the fault, but I've done many such changes on previous Xantias and BXs, with that one being the first to go wrong and I've a vague notion that spinning anti-clock was the answer. But memory is a fickle thing, esp. with advancing years, so I think I'll go and do the prep work and wait for confirmation. I have faith it will come!

Yes. I bought a "Brake Caliper Rewind Kit", with both clock and anti clock threads, many years ago. I still have the original anti-clock press, but I'm on my third replacement clockwise one!
Having said all of the above, had I not read it on here, I would have expected a Citroen to be one of the cars that do need the anti-clock one! Just being different, for the sake of it, sort of thing!
As you say, one of the guys WILL be along to give you the answer...
This is a great resource and the only forum I have any time for!

[myglaren]

I am reasonably sure that the C5 pistons are handed, one is wound back clockwise, the other anti-clockwise.
Can't remember which is which though.

[Johnno]

I'm 99% sure that the O/S is anti-clock, though in this case the point is moot - the model I'm working on ('59 plate) has twin push-back pistons, requiring nothing more complex than a 150mm G-cramp. Not having the mechanical h/brake cables simplifies things further (though I prefer the old system operationally).

Well, the rain has stopped, so back out to finish off.

Thanks guys, have a good weekend.

[RichardW]

Hand brake on the rear on mk3 c5......I'd guess the fronts just press in