[V6-12v] How to get the rear brake discs off

[Tom Christiansen]

Folks,

Thanks a bunch for your help. Armed with more confidence I went to work 
today with a 5 lb hammer. I actually didn't need to hit the discs that 
hard, but the hammer did pack a little more umph than my 2 lb deadblow. 
After a couple of taps with the hammer, the discs popped off. The hub 
surface was pretty clean actually. Brushed it a bit with a wire brush and 
mounted the new discs. Obviously, I'd returned the rental tool for pushing 
the pistons in, but they only needed a little nudge and a pair of pliers 
were used to turn the pistons. I wouldn't recommend this for the full brake 
job where the piston needs to be moved 1/2 inch or so. If the pliers slip 
they'll either stab your hand or tear the rubber boot on the caliper. Both 
undesirable events. Paying the $8/day for the tool is a better option (or 
$50 to own it on eBay).

Torques in case anybody cares:

FRONT:
Big hex (17 mm head) bolt that holds the bracket: 125 Nm. Clean the ribs on 
the head before interting the bolt.
Small hex (15 mm head) bolt holding the caliper to the guide pins: 35 Nm. 
Always replace this bolt (or apply blue locktite).
The guide pin has a 17 mm hex. A regular box end wrench fits nicely. No 
need for skinny wrenches.

REAR:
Socket head (8 mm Allen key) bolt for the bracket: 60 Nm.
Small hex (13 mm head) bolt holding the caliper to the guide pins: 35 Nm. 
Always replace or apply blue locktite.
The guide pin has a 15 mm hex. Regular box end wrench works.

Wheels: 110 Nm.

Torque specs from Bentley. Use at your own risk & expense.

Tom