Replacing the front pads on the Opel Astra N

The brake system of the Opel Astra N (Universal) requires increased attention from the service. The front pads are especially capricious. So if it was found that the friction pairs were worn out in order, the front pads of the Opel Astra N must be replaced.

Please note that the rear brake pads are changed in the same way as the front ones, with the exception of one point. You will need to remove the parking brake cable. The rest of the front and rear pads change according to the same principle.

Diagnostics

There are several ways to check the level of brake wear:

1. Tactile sensations from pressing the pedal. Worn pads require deeper brake pedal travel. An experienced driver will immediately feel the need to replace the front brake pads with an Opel Astra N if the pedal is depressed more than it should.
2. Inspection of the brake system. As a rule, the brakes are checked during every scheduled maintenance. If the friction surface of the pads is less than 2 (mm), the pads must be replaced immediately.

If you don't change pads?

If you begin to care for the pads, the brake disc will fail. Replacing the entire set of the brake system (the brake elements on all 4 wheels are changed) will cost a considerable amount. Therefore, it is better to periodically fork out for one pad than to buy the entire Opel Astra H brake system later (replacing the front and rear pads, as well as all discs).

What do you need for repairs?

1. Key set (hex, socket/open)
2. Screwdriver Set
3. Brake pad kit (front axle requires 4 pads, 2 for each wheel)
4. Jack

It is worth noting that it is recommended to install the original Opel Astra H (Family) pads that come with the Opel number 16 05 992 Astra N. The maintenance manual prescribes their use. But the cost of the original is not always affordable for all motorists, so in extreme cases, you can get by with cheaper analogues.

By the way, brands such as BOSCH, Brembo and ATE offer a cheap alternative to the original. In other words, these are signatures that inspire confidence in almost all motorists. Your brake pads are not scary to buy and install instead of the original ones.

When replacing the front pads of the Opel Astra N, BOSCH 0 986 424 707 pads are more often used than inexpensive ones.

Repair

A specialist of at least average qualification changes the pads on the front axle (right and left wheels) in 40 minutes.

• We depreciate the car
• Loosen the wheel bracket. On some models, the nuts are covered with caps.

• Raise in front of the jack. There is a special place for lifting, it has reinforcement. Press down on the jack until the wheel spins freely. Replacing stops

• We unscrew the loose nuts and disassemble the wheels

Please note that when replacing the front brake pads with an Opel Astra N, the wheel may stick to the hub. In order not to waste extra effort when removing the wheel, simply lower the jack so that the weight of the car breaks the stuck wheel. Next, raise the jack to its original level and calmly remove the wheel

• We open the hood and pump the brake fluid (not all, just a little, so that new pads are usually installed, since the friction discs are thicker on them). To do this, we use a medical syringe for 20 (ml) with a tube 30-40 (mm) long. The tube can be taken from the dropper

• We are moving from the Opel Astra H caliper, the replacement of the front pads continues. Using a screwdriver, press the spring retainer (top and bottom of the caliper) and pull it out. The photo shows where it ends.

• Unscrew the caliper fasteners (2 bolts). Fastenings are most often covered with caps (stretched outward). Bolts require a 7mm hex.

• We squeeze the piston with a screwdriver (insert it into the viewing window of the caliper) and remove the caliper

• We take out the brake pads and clean the seats with a metal brush
• We put in new pads. The arrows on the blocks indicate the direction of rotation of the wheels as they move forward. That is, we put the pads with the arrow forward

• Please note that the original ear pads (outside) may have a protective film. Must be removed before installation
• Assemble the brake system in reverse order

According to the instructions for Astra N, the pads must also be changed on the opposite side of the front axle.

Here is an intelligible video on how you can change the pads yourself on the Opel Astra H (Estate):