has anyone changed break pads, rotors, spacers, or any DIY?

BlackCherryZ

just wondering if anyone is scheduled to work on their car?

although i like trying out new things - specifically, i would like to learn to work on my Z for minor work - i am not mechanically inclined - as such, i would like to observe and learn.

if you are changing break pads, rotors, spacers, or anything, even changing oil, let me know if i could observe your work - just shoot me a pm....

of course, i prefer to limit the distance to NOVA area.....

thanks....

m4a1mustang

I will be changing my pads when it warms up and you are more than welcome to come watch. Ill let you know.

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m4a1mustang

Also, there is a brake diy somewhere on the forum as well as a spacer diy.

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ChrisSlicks

I have a DIY for changing the rotors.
http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...ent-front.html
And changing the calipers
DIY: AP Racing Install

No one has officially documented changing the pads because it is so easy, but it has been described in a couple of threads (you literally spend more time taking the wheel off than you do changing the pads).

m4a1mustang

Edmunds actually has a DIY on their long term test of the 370 on brake pad changes. It can be daunting for a newbie to think about working on brakes, though, so maybe it's best to see it done in person?

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ChrisSlicks

Yes, there is a couple of small but import things that may not be obvious if you haven't seen it done before, such as swapping the backing plate, lubricating the backing plate and tabs, using the old pad to gently push the pistons back in (which may necessitate removing some brake fluid from the reservoir to prevent overflow if the size difference is significant), and bleeding the brakes.

If you plan to bleed the brakes solo I recommend either getting a set of speed bleeders or a power bleeder.

BlackCherryZ

thanks for the input.

i did read about DIYs and edmund's write up........

the issue is that i have never handled any mechanical work on my past vehicles..........

my inclination is that "leave the work to someone who knows what to do..."

in fact, i have always wanted to learn to work on cars........never had any chance.....

my ultimate goal is to learn to install turbo by myself...........that is later later....*^^*

anyway, thank you for the offer.....

i know some DIYs look easy, but i dont want to mess it up........plus my car only has about 500 miles

damn weather........... just trying to bypass the break-in period....

suppose to snow 50 inches in DC metro area......

once again, hope to see you all soon.........

m4a1mustang

Well it's all pretty straight forward... really you just need to jump right into it.

If you ever are going to do any work on your car but think you might need some help, just post up here in the Mid-A forum and I'm sure there will be someone able/willing to help... even if it's just for an oil change or something.

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BlackCherryZ

thanks for the support.........

it would be nice to actually observe in person...........

well, this is my plan......... to be able to do it by myself

1) oil change and break pads, plus break fluid bleeding, MT oil change
2) inside LED and brighter HID and parking lights
3) rotors
4) spacers with wider tires

plus, other future mods for my car includes:
eibach spring/coilover, sway bar, HFC, exhaust.....tint and power coating rims......stereo upgrade with amp, sub, speakers........fog light, back up camera, GPS, etc..... dynomat....

AND,
the main focus is SC or TT.........as you know, i am currently organizing a group buy for SC or TT...

to the trained person or someone with experience, these mechanical work might seem piece of cake........but............ to someone like myself, it's a daunting task.... i guess i just have to read more........but in fact, i have read many DIY in this forum, but just uncomfortable to do it by myself..........

m4a1mustang

I can help you with everything but the lights... I haven't attempted any of that yet!

I have H&R spacers on order from Stillen and should be installing them one Saturday when we have good weather.

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PapoZalsa

With this weather I'm not doing aything to the car until it warms up. Just keeping it clean and drive it when it gets semi decent outside.

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2009 370Z MB Base w/Sport Package 6MT
Modshack's Custom Air Intakes /3M Clear Bra/ Illuminated Kick Plates / F. I CBE w/12" resonators / EVO-R Front Lip / Rear Hatch Wing / Tein S-Tech Springs /Ilegal Tint in the Rep. of VA/4x20mm Z1 Spacers/ Vinyl Roof/Liquid Carbon Designs

m4a1mustang

I find cold weather to be rather enjoyable for working on the car... just close the garage door and crank the space heater up.

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PapoZalsa

My garagae is too small and is very uncomforatbel to work on the car.

__________________
2009 370Z MB Base w/Sport Package 6MT
Modshack's Custom Air Intakes /3M Clear Bra/ Illuminated Kick Plates / F. I CBE w/12" resonators / EVO-R Front Lip / Rear Hatch Wing / Tein S-Tech Springs /Ilegal Tint in the Rep. of VA/4x20mm Z1 Spacers/ Vinyl Roof/Liquid Carbon Designs

BlackCherryZ

sounds good..........but that is when we have good weather........... with impending snow blizzard tomorrow and next wk...........hmmmmmmmmmm

please let me know............i could lend my hands at least

i am currently trying to surpass the break-in mileage......just have about 500 miles.....

i do not know if i should install one by one.........or wait and gather mods and install them at the same time.......

once again, thank you.................i will look forward to hearing from you.....

ppl, please do stay safe..........

getawaydriver

I am also interested in learning how to do some of the more comprehensive stuff. Namely brake related and some more of the periodic maintainence stuff.

I did a lot of work with a friend on my Acura back in the day. Did some minor stuff with my Subaru, and want to get back into it.

Problems are: lack of tools and minimal mechanical/procedural knowledge and really no space.

If you guys do a group maintainence day, post it and I will definitely be there. When more money rolls around, I will be getting another set of brake pads for auto-crossing.