Spigot Pins: How important are they? ('90 740 wagon)

e777 · Post by **e777** » 27 Aug 2006, 18:35

Hello,

I just replaced the front discs and pads on my 740. Yet, after putting the new discs in place (they are definitely the correct discs) the spigot pin did not want to reach the threads in the hub. So for now the hubs and disc are pinless. I test drove and all was just dandy. Am I risking life, limb, or just the mechanical wellbeing of the car by not putting the spigot pins back in place?

please inform. cheers,
Eric

Post by **billofdurham** » 29 Aug 2006, 12:57

Not vitally important. They are there to help line up the holes in the road wheels with the holes in the hub. A secondary purpose is: when the car is built the wheels are balanced on the car and it helps to replace the wheels in the correct position if they have been removed. This does not apply to yours because, I assume, the car will have had new tyres at some time.

One question, which may sound offensive but is definitely not intended as such. When you are trying to replace the spigot pin you are doing it before the wheel goes on?

Now call me names.

Bill.

LaRy · Post by **LaRy** » 29 Aug 2006, 13:19

I agree with Bill that the spigot pin is not important for the safety. Why does it not fit if the brake disk is correct. The tread of the pin is definitely not short. I just have the feeling that something is not correct. Maybe the spigot pin tread is broken so the spigot pin is to short. It is normally made of brass. Check the short end of the pin if it is broken. If it is not broken, I would definitely try to find the reason

e777 · Post by **e777** » 29 Aug 2006, 19:12

Thanks for the input. I removed the wheels and tried the pins again. They went right in. I guess i did not have the disc sitting perfectly flush against the hub when I initially tried.

I do have a follow up question. I noticed that when I installed the new pads and discs that the fit was quite snug once I got the caliper in place(meaning that the pads were lightly contacting the disc). The brakes work great (I tested on the road and with wheels off). Is there supposed to be slight rubbing when new pads are installed? In any case the pads will wear down, thus solving that problem, no?

Post by **billofdurham** » 30 Aug 2006, 11:30

Glad you got the pins sorted although they are not essential.

Your new question: Yes the pads will rub slightly and will continue to do so even as they wear. The system is designed that way. Drum brakes with shoes have return springs to pull the shoes away from the drums. There are no return springs on disc brakes. Whenever you check your disc brakes just ensure that the wheel can be turned easily by hand and ignore slight rubbing.

Bill.