22/09/2017
When embarking on the task of replacing your vehicle's brake pads or discs, understanding the contents of a brake fitting kit is paramount. These kits, often referred to as hardware kits or spring kits, contain the crucial small parts that ensure your new brake components are installed correctly and function optimally. While the exact contents can vary slightly between manufacturers and vehicle models, a comprehensive brake fitting kit typically includes a range of essential items designed to replace worn or corroded original hardware. This ensures a secure, rattle-free, and effective braking performance. Investing in a quality fitting kit alongside new pads and discs is a wise decision for any DIY mechanic or professional looking to perform a thorough brake job.
The Purpose of a Brake Fitting Kit
The primary purpose of a brake fitting kit is to provide the necessary small, often overlooked, components that are essential for the proper installation and functioning of new brake pads and/or discs. Over time, these small parts can become corroded, bent, or simply worn out, compromising the integrity and performance of the entire braking system. Replacing them during a brake job ensures that all parts of the system are in good condition, leading to:
- Improved Braking Performance: New hardware can ensure the pads are seated correctly and move freely within the caliper bracket.
- Reduced Noise: Anti-rattle clips and shims help to eliminate squeaks and rattles that can develop with worn hardware.
- Enhanced Safety: Securely fitted components are vital for reliable braking in all conditions.
- Longevity of New Parts: Proper installation with new hardware can help prevent premature wear on new brake pads and discs.
Common Components Found in a Brake Fitting Kit
Let's delve into the specific items you can typically expect to find within a good quality brake fitting kit:
1. Anti-Rattle Clips/Springs
These are arguably the most important components in many fitting kits. They are small, spring-loaded clips that apply gentle pressure to the brake pads, holding them snugly against the caliper bracket or guide pins. This prevents the pads from vibrating or rattling within their housing, especially during light braking or when driving over uneven surfaces. Without effective anti-rattle clips, you might experience annoying squeaking or knocking sounds from your brakes.
2. Caliper Guide Pin Boots and Seals
The caliper guide pins (also known as slider pins) are responsible for allowing the caliper to move smoothly as the brake pads are applied and released. These pins are housed within rubber boots or seals, which protect them from dirt, debris, and moisture. Over time, these rubber components can degrade, split, or become brittle, leading to corrosion of the guide pins. Corroded guide pins can seize, preventing the caliper from retracting properly, which can cause uneven pad wear, drag, and reduced braking efficiency. A fitting kit will often include new boots and seals to ensure the guide pins can move freely.
3. Pad Retaining Clips/Springs
Similar in function to anti-rattle clips, these are often distinct clips or wires that physically hold the brake pads in place within the caliper bracket. They prevent the pads from dislodging, especially under heavy braking or during cornering. These can be simple U-shaped clips or more complex spring mechanisms, depending on the vehicle's design.
4. Shim Kits
Shims are thin metal or composite plates that are often bonded to the back of the brake pad. Their primary function is to dampen vibrations that can cause brake noise, particularly squeal. They act as a buffer between the brake pad and the caliper piston or bracket. While some brake pads come with integrated shims, a fitting kit might provide separate shims or additional shims for specific applications, especially if the original pads had them.
5. Bleeder Screw Caps
The bleeder screws on your brake calipers are used to remove air from the hydraulic brake system. These screws have small rubber caps that protect the opening from dirt and moisture when not in use. These caps can easily be lost or degrade over time. While not always included, some comprehensive kits may offer new bleeder screw caps.
6. Spring Clips for Hoses (Less Common)
In some older or specific vehicle designs, there might be small spring clips that secure the flexible brake hoses to the chassis or caliper bracket. These are less commonly found in modern fitting kits but are worth noting.
Why Replacing Old Hardware is Crucial
Ignoring the condition of your brake fitting hardware during a brake pad or disc replacement is a false economy. Here's why it's so important to replace these small parts:
- Corrosion: Exposure to road salt, water, and brake dust can lead to significant corrosion. Corroded guide pins can seize, and rusted clips can break.
- Wear and Tear: Constant exposure to heat and pressure can cause springs to lose their tension and rubber boots to perish.
- Bent or Damaged Parts: During removal of old pads, it's easy to accidentally bend or damage clips and springs.
- Ensuring Proper Pad Float: The ability of the brake pads to move freely (float) within the caliper bracket is essential for even wear and optimal performance. Worn or corroded hardware hinders this movement.
When to Use a Brake Fitting Kit
A brake fitting kit should ideally be used whenever you are replacing brake pads. Even if you are only replacing the pads and not the discs, the old hardware should still be inspected and replaced if there are any signs of damage, corrosion, or loss of tension. If you are replacing brake discs as well, it is even more imperative to use a new fitting kit, as the process of removing the old discs and calipers often involves disturbing or potentially damaging the existing hardware.
Factors Affecting Kit Contents
The specific contents of a brake fitting kit can be influenced by several factors:
- Vehicle Manufacturer: Different manufacturers use different caliper designs and hardware.
- Brake System Type: Fixed calipers, floating calipers, and drum brakes all have different requirements.
- Aftermarket vs. OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) kits might be more comprehensive than some aftermarket alternatives.
- Kit Specificity: Some kits are tailored specifically for front or rear brakes, or even specific axle types.
It's always best to check the product description or consult with your parts supplier to ensure the kit you are purchasing contains all the necessary components for your specific vehicle and the brake job you intend to perform.
Table: Common Brake Fitting Kit Components and Their Function
| Component | Primary Function | Why Replace? |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-Rattle Clips/Springs | Prevent pad vibration and noise. | Lose tension, can break, cause rattles. |
| Caliper Guide Pin Boots & Seals | Protect slider pins from dirt and moisture. | Perish, split, leading to seized pins. |
| Pad Retaining Clips/Springs | Secure pads in the caliper bracket. | Can bend, break, or lose spring tension. |
| Shims | Dampen vibrations to reduce noise. | Can detach, wear down, or be damaged during removal. |
| Bleeder Screw Caps | Protect bleeder screws from contaminants. | Easily lost or degrade over time. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I really need a brake fitting kit if my old hardware looks okay?
A1: While some hardware might appear visually acceptable, it's often compromised by internal corrosion or a loss of spring tension that isn't immediately obvious. Replacing it with new parts ensures optimal performance and longevity of your new brake pads and discs. It's a small cost for significant peace of mind and to prevent future issues like seized pins or noisy brakes.
Q2: Can I reuse my old brake pad shims?
A2: It's generally not recommended to reuse old shims, especially if they show any signs of damage, corrosion, or if they were bonded to the old pads and are difficult to remove cleanly. New shims are designed to work with new pads and ensure proper damping of vibrations.
Q3: Are all brake fitting kits the same?
A3: No, not all kits are the same. They vary depending on the vehicle make, model, year, and the specific brake system design. Always ensure you purchase a kit that is compatible with your vehicle.
Q4: What happens if I don't replace the caliper guide pin boots?
A4: If the guide pin boots are damaged or missing, dirt and moisture can enter the caliper slider mechanism. This leads to corrosion of the pins, causing them to seize. A seized caliper pin can result in the brake pad not retracting properly, leading to uneven pad wear, excessive heat, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised braking performance.
Q5: Is it possible to buy individual components instead of a full kit?
A5: In some cases, yes, you can purchase individual components like guide pin kits or anti-rattle clips separately. However, buying a comprehensive fitting kit is usually more cost-effective and ensures you have all the necessary small parts for a complete brake job.
Conclusion
A brake fitting kit is an indispensable part of any brake replacement procedure. It contains the small, yet critically important, components that ensure your new brake pads and discs are installed correctly, function efficiently, and remain free from noise and vibration. By understanding what's included in these kits and the vital role each part plays, you can approach your next brake job with confidence, knowing you're using the right parts to maintain your vehicle's safety and performance. Don't underestimate the significance of these small but mighty components – they are the silent guardians of your braking system's integrity.
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