? for Granada brake folks...

[ratio411]

I found a 78 Granada in a local U-pull it yard.

The brake parts are all shot, but the spindles are there and dirt cheap if I pull them myself.

I didn't think while I was there to see what tools I need to bring, so I was hoping I could get some info here to help me.



I figure the following is needed:

Pliers to pull cotter pins.

10" Cresent to pull castle nut.

Pickle fork and hammer to release joints.

Flat tip for misc. prying.



What else do I need?

Remember that I am not taking the calipers, rotors, or brake lines, but I do need to get them loose so I can take the bare spindles.

What size wrench/socket removes the calipers?

Is there a mounting plate or anything off them I need to keep that does not come with replacement calipers?

Any other tips?

Do I need to take the hose mounts to convert my car from drums to disc?

Do I NEED the outer tie rod ends, or will my drum ends work?

Thanks!

Dave



BTW:

The spindles are $12 each (x2)

Out tie rod ends (used) 3 each (x2)



Advance Auto quoted:

53 each for rotors (x2)

8 each for rubber lines (x2)

8 for pads

12 each for calipers (x2)

6 each for seals (x2)

8 each for bearings (x4)

No parts have a core charge, so it's not worth it to buy the junk stuff for a core.

Are all these prices in line with what you have seen doing your conversion?

 

[302 coupe]

be sure to get the caliper mounting harware(slide, shanked bolt, bracket looking thingy). There is a bracket that bolts to the spindle that holds the caliper, obviously you'll need that. Looks like you've got yur bases covered on the tools. I'm not sure what your swapping the brakes onto, but you'll need the outter tie rod ends if its a 65-66, I'm not sure about other years. Might wanna grab the distribution block also unless you're gonna use an adjustable prop. valve.

 

[streetgrande69]

i've done this so many time that its unbelieveable. in fact, i did it yesterday, in the rain.

the ifrst thing is to get the caliper off, so a small 1/4" allen wrench and a small punch /hammer to get the spring retainer off.

after that, remove the rotor, small screw driver for the dust cap.

pull the rotor out of the way. 1/2 inch, ratchet and 6" extension to unbolt the dust shield. get it out of the way.

now all you have is the tir-rod and the ball joints.

3/4 for the tie rod.

ball joints are 7/8 so use a box end to brake it loose and a rachet to finish it(oh and cotter pins, needle nose and small hamer.)

save yourself the time and just use a hammer to loosen the ball joints and tie-rod, rap on the spindle hard to jolt it free, then just lift the spindle out of the way. you might need some pretty good downward force to push the lower control arm down so it will come, i use a misc drive shaft for good leverage.

good luck!

oh rags and wd40!

 

[D.Hearne]

Way easier to just remove the whole spindle assembly as a whole. Then remove the other parts at your convience. I have done this using the yard's cutting torch, just cut the upper and lower control arms, tie rods, and brake line. The way I figure, it's easier to remove the calipers, rotors and other parts on a bench, instead of kneeling down in the mud and weeds while having to worry about what "critters" you may meet up with under the car, especially in P'cola Fla. ( I'm sure you're familiar with Cottonmouths and Copperheads ?, Not to mention a Gator or two?) You can always sell the parts you don't need for scrap, you may need the calipers for cores.

 

[70snake]

Granada brakes

Gas wrench BABY!! 4 minutes and you own everything. be sure to get the proportioning valve too. Seriously, if they will let you use a torch ( most older yards around here dont mind as long as you bring a fire extinguisher with) I would torch the works and take it apart at home