Well, I have to say I'm disappointed. I know there are plenty of knowledgeable guys who visit and contribute to this forum, and it's more than likely that one or two of them have worked on a Ka. Its a shame nobody was willing or able to either reassure me that yes, 2010 Ka brakes are straightforward, or that no, there are various issues I should be aware of, and this is what they are....

Guess that for once, I'll have to look elsewhere.

Thanks anyhow for reading my OP.

In an effort to help -- I read that the Ka chassis shares many components with the Fiesta. If the discs and calipers are similar to the Fiesta (and pictures on e-Bay suggest that is so), then changing the discs and pads is really quite straightforward. If you seek out a set of Mintex "Brake-in-a-Box" discs and pads, they come complete with instructions. If yours are similar to the Fiesta, you'll need a good quality 13mm socket. Gordonbennet is right here- I snapped a cheap 13mm socket trying to get the caliper bolts out. The slide-pins are covered with rubber plugs. Prise out the plugs and you'll find that the recessed pins need a long 7mm hexagon key (Allen key) to get them out. Now - most sets of Allen keys do not include a 7mm! Beats me as to why! I've come across so many things that need a 7mm! Screwfix used to sell a set of long keys that included a 7mm, but I've just looked on the web site and I can't find them now. Replacing the pad retaining spring will get you cursing!

Surely a 2010 KA is Fiat based not Ford and,so,no reason to be like a Fiesta.Having said that,still simple to work on.

If the brakes are Panda/500 based then Haynes do a manual. Your local library may have one.

Edited by Chris M on 29/08/2012 at 13:54

That caliper set up sounds more FIAT than Ford.

That fixed part of the caliper you describe sounds identical to my ex MiL's Fiat 127 circa 1972, except for wear sensors which were the preserve of rather more expensive machinery....and arguably not needed when servicing wasn't in starship frequencies.

It was a decent basic design though and if it aint broke etc.

Glad the job went well.

As an aside been talking to my son earlier today, who doesn't maintain his vehicles meticulously like his dad...;)

They have a 05 Honda CRV now on 90k, he took it into their indy and had the brakes looked at, it seems the last set of discs fitted all round (previous owner) were simply slapped on without adequate cleaning up of the hub face, good smooth sharp brakes now the job has been done properly, and virtual clip round the ear 'ole for the bodger who did them previously.

Just out of interest, 2 new tyres and discs/pads all round for £500 i didn't think was too bad, i'd still have rather done them meself mind..;)...hmm maybe he doesn't like how i do things.

Lot to be said for doing the job yourself, i do usually but i do have a gem of an indy on tap if needed, get good parts and with a bit of care and attention to detail, you know the job is done well.

I've never possessed a torque wrench in my entire life and have no plans to buy one, Peter. I simply leaned on the socket till the nuts squealed in pain, and they're unlikely to be coming off again except with an air tool or a three foot extension bar wielded by the Bulgarian Freestyle Wrestling Team. None of that will matter to us because she's changing the car fairly soon. But thanks for your concern.

Gordon, I use an excellent mobile mechanic and his semi-retired garage mechanic mate for any jobs I can't handle myself--which is most things--but just recently I've developed a fervour for tackling simple brake maintenance. Certainly can be very satisfying, even if the torque settings go by the board in the process. :0)

''I've a torque wrench, but rarely use it''

Likewise, used common sense as in most things for all my considerable years fixing my own and others' cars, nothings fallen off or broken yet.

We managed to cure V4 Fords of constant head gasket failure though, sturdy socket and high quality T bar on those head bolts, aided and abetted by 3 ft scaffold pole for extra leverage pulled on till the pips squeak, never a head gasket problem again..;)

Edited by gordonbennet on 02/09/2012 at 10:38

I too have a torque wrench which I've only ever used on head bolts and a stub axle nut.

However, over tightening a fixing until it squeals is a big no no in my book. Shows a lack of mechanical sympathy. Reminds me of people who overtighten a water tap - as long as the water has stopped coming out why do some people continue to turn?

I'm with you bathtub, although the theory doesn't work for everything.

Edited by Chris M on 02/09/2012 at 10:42

''apart from head gasket bolts and hub nuts is there anywhere else on a car where you might tend to employ one''

Various engine and drivertrain bolts, usually involving major surgery though, clutch plates, camshaft carriers, bearing caps, that sort of thing, oh and lorry wheels.