Hi

I plan to change my rear brake because passenger side only have 1 mm left (1st photo). I changed that 16 months ago. The driver side still have lots of meat (as you can see from the photo). No idea why passenger side only have 1 mm left. Brake disc look bad too. I will change that in pair. Any idea?

I understand I need to release the handbrake in order to change the rear brake pad and disc. Can I use the reverse gear to prevent the car rolling? Or more need to be done to avoid car rolling.

Thanks

Put it in first gear and choke the wheels. You should look in to your calipper as it seems like it's pinching the brake disc all the time, or maybe it is the handbrake wire binding so it's not fully released. 

2 hours ago, LarsfromNorway said:

You should look in to your clipper as it seems like it's pinching the brake disc all the time, or maybe it is the handbrake wire binding so it's not fully released. 

It only sound when the car moved with low speed and foot brake applied. Do you think the clipper is pinching the brake disc all the time, handbrake wire binding. Or some others issue cause the brake pad worn much faster than usual and brake discs is worn.

2 hours ago, LarsfromNorway said:

Put it in first gear and choke the wheels.

I found my 1st gear and reserve gear won't hold car on a slight hill. So, still safe for me to change the rear brake with low gear only? May I know why my 1st gear and reserve gear won't hold car on a slight hill

Does the wheel spin freely when off the ground like on the other side?

The car is only held by the compression of the engine while hanging on the gears, i'm not saying the compression is bad though... but it has its limits. Put a 2x4" or something close to choke the wheels. Or buy som wedges for the purpose. 

8 minutes ago, M Lam said:

May I know why my 1st gear and reserve gear won't hold car on a slight hill

Small NA petrol engines don't have enough compression to overcome the gravitational force pulling the car downhill in gear.

At least one front wheel MUST be chocked before starting this job.

28 minutes ago, LarsfromNorway said:

Does the wheel spin freely when off the ground like on the other side?

Good suggestion. I going to try it tomorrow or this weekend.

What mark is your Focus?

2 hours ago, LarsfromNorway said:

What mark is your Focus?

MK2 

11 hours ago, LarsfromNorway said:

Put it in first gear and choke the wheels. You should look in to your calipper as it seems like it's pinching the brake disc all the time, or maybe it is the handbrake wire binding so it's not fully released. 

Quick question. If the wheel not spin freely when lifted. How I know that is caliper pinching the brake disc or handbrake wire binding? Do you think that is a easy DIY job?

If this is not a easy DIY job. Should I change the brake pad and disc first before get someone to fix the caliper or handbrake issue?

Take the wire off the lever on the caliper and try to spin the wheel, then you have eventually excluded the wire binding. Get someone to yank the handbrake handle inside the car to see if the wire moves freely. You can also try to wiggle the lever on the caliper (with wire off) to see if it's frees itself up and stop sticking, it might not return properly to its end point as of now.

The caliper should be sorted out, eventually changed out, before fitting new discs and pads. Whether it's easy or not depends on your technical knowledge, if you are unsure take it to a garage or someone familiar working with it. Have in mind it's the brakes; if not done right you are jeopardizing your own and others lifes.

26 minutes ago, LarsfromNorway said:

Take the wire off the lever on the caliper and try to spin the wheel, then you have eventually excluded the wire binding. Get someone to yank the handbrake handle inside the car to see if the wire moves freely. You can also try to wiggle the lever on the caliper (with wire off) to see if it's frees itself up and stop sticking, it might not return properly to its end point as of now.

The caliper should be sorted out, eventually changed out, before fitting new discs and pads. Whether it's easy or not depends on your technical knowledge, if you are unsure take it to a garage or someone familiar working with it. Have in mind it's the brakes; if not done right you are jeopardizing your own and others lifes.

Thanks. Do you think it still safe for me to drive around for one or two weeks before get it fixed?

I guess it will last a couple of weeks more, yes. After next trip try to touch the brakes and compare the difference in temperature. I guess with that kind of wear the left side would run really hot while driving. Have your nose felt any "brake smell" when you leave your car?

4 minutes ago, LarsfromNorway said:

After next trip try to touch the brakes and compare the difference in temperature.

Do NOT try and touch the brakes !!!!!

The temperatures will easily be over 120^oC and will cause serious burns. If you want to check the temperature of the brakes use a 'point and shoot' thermometer.

https://www.diy.com/departments/autojack-handheld-infrared-digital-thermometer-temperature-gun/5060504002080_BQ.prd

39 minutes ago, LarsfromNorway said:

I guess it will last a couple of weeks more, yes. After next trip try to touch the brakes and compare the difference in temperature. I guess with that kind of wear the left side would run really hot while driving. Have your nose felt any "brake smell" when you leave your car?

Thanks a lot for the suggestion. I don't felt any brake smell.

1 hour ago, unofix said:

Do NOT try and touch the brakes !!!!!

The temperatures will easily be over 120^oC and will cause serious burns. If you want to check the temperature of the brakes use a 'point and shoot' thermometer.

https://www.diy.com/departments/autojack-handheld-infrared-digital-thermometer-temperature-gun/5060504002080_BQ.prd

I was a bit quick there, but maybe touching the rim will be a better approach to it. 

On 11/21/2023 at 11:38 PM, LarsfromNorway said:

I was a bit quick there, but maybe touching the rim will be a better approach to it. 

Finally, my garage have time to investigate it for me. I need a new brake caliper. They will help me to fix that 🙂