Triumph Repair: Front Brake Replacement Spitfire 1500, needle nose pliers, rotor hub

Question
Hi Scott,

I have a late 1980 1500 Spit, I need to replace the disc brakes and pads on the front of the car as they are worn, and it is pulling harshly to the left. I have new discs and pads and was wondering if you could give me some advice as to how to go about replacing them - mainly if there is anything I should be weary of or any specific tools to use?

Thanks

Tom

Answer
It is straightforward to do, and outlined well in any of the normal repair manuals

-Unbolt calipers and hang aside
-Use a wood screw to pop out the dust caps
-Use needle nose pliers to straighten the the cotter pin & remove
-Use socket to remove the castellated nut & D washer.

Hub & Rotor & bearings can now be removed

Inspect the wheel bearings and determine if they need to be replaced.
If you retain the wheel bearings, scoop out all the old grease from inside the hub

Remove the 4 bolts on the backside of the hub to remove the rotor.
Replace rotor & rebolt to specified torque.
Replace grease in hub, Repack bearings with grease, reassemble.

Torque castellated nut and D washer as per book procedure.
Alternative is to wrench down until rotor/hub start to drag when you spin it, then back off 1/4 turn to freewheel without drag.

Replace cotter pin, dustcap, and caliper (after replacing the caliper pads)