Brakes and Heater Question?

[PaulAshman]

Excuse my ignorance but when you spin the brake disc (wheels off) should it rub on the pads or spin freely?

 

Also I have lost heat and the fans don't work on the interior heater, any ideas what the problem could be?

 

Cheers, Paul.

[James HPE Motorsport]

Yes the pads should touch very slightly, but you should be able to turn the disc without too much effort. If it is hard to turn then you may have a seized caliper.

 

As for the heater, sounds like the Matrix is fooked mate!

 

Dont be sucha a girl, join the heater hoses together and chuck the matrix in the skip, then with you now improved lightweight badboy, join the OSFDC and go RACING!!!!

[PaulAshman]

I guess you mean don't bother with a heater? Bit parky on the toes on the frosty mornings

 

Might give the OSFDC a go this year, never done it but hey worth a go?!!!

[RedditchJay]

my heater has never worked and I only use the car in summer so never bothered looking at it.....

[Jimbob-Squarepants ©]

Yes the pads should touch very slightly, but you should be able to turn the disc without too much effort. If it is hard to turn then you may have a seized caliper.

 

This man is right about the disc's, they will bite slightly, but you should be able to turn them by hand.

 

Your heater, if you have no heat, I suspect the matrix is blocked, either that or your thermostat is stuck open/or not there. Now for the best bit, your fan probably doesn't work because the motor is seized. This is a trumpy job, I had to do mine. It involves taking the dashboard apart (lower sections, clock surround, and possibly the clocks (depends if you find it easier without the clocks))

 

You then need to take the 2 heater matrix pipes off in the engine bay, and dont forget the metal cover with 1 self tapping screw in it. This is right by the 2 pipes (behind them if this makes sense) Tou then need to undo the heater controls in the car (2 machine screws), and 4 nuts securing the heater box to the bulkhead. I think these are 11mm or 13mm.

 

You may also need to take the center console out as well, because the clock sits tall. Try it beforehand, but if you stuggle, take it out. Finally, take off all the interior air trunking, and pull the bottom of the heater box out first. You want it to twist out bottom first and the top will drop down.

 

You will then be able to get to the 2 wires that are attatched to the heater motor. Once you have the box out, you can fit a new motor, and also unblock your matrix.

 

You can buy these motors new as they are the same as a certain Mecedes van. Tickover in Bexleyheath stock them, 50 +VAT, and they will mail order.

 

Make sure you do not need your car for at least a whole day. Mine took longer because I wanted to do some wiring while I had the lot out. If you do this, and there is still no heat, it could be an air lock, or the thermostat I mentioned earlier, but these jobs are a damn sight easier than that bloody heater

 

Good Luck

[oldskool100e]

What's a heater?...