BMW brake jobs?

Question

Simply put I am looking for a list of any special tools I might need (other than metric sockets and wrenches) to do a complete brake job on a '98 328i (rotors, pads, sensors, etc.). Also let me know where I should loosen the parking brake, I understand that the rears rotors function as a drum for the parking brake.

Answer 1

The rear axle has two sets of brakes, rotors for normal braking, drums for parking. If it is anything like like my car (e46) you need the standard tools plus a metric hex key set and a U clamp to push the piston back in. You may also need a dead blow mallet to take off the rotor (PB Blaster as well) and make sure the parking brake is off when you take off the rears. Find a box or a paint can to suspend the caliper off the ground so you don't have to disconnect the brake line. Watch the brake reservoir when you push the piston back in. Brake fluid damages your paint.

Answer 2

I have owned BMW's for over 20 years and always replaced my own brake pads and rotors. No special tools are needed. Be sure to tie up the calipers when un-installed as to prevent damaging the brake fluid line. The rotor should be replaced and buy them at BMW. Not much more than after market and much better unless you are going with cross drilled rotors. If you are a BMW club member you should get a 15% discount on most parts at BMW dealers. Should not have to loosen the parking brake.

Answer 3

Tools you need:

Close ended wrenches (6-point recommended, 12-point ok)
Sockets/rachets
Rubber mallet (for hitting on the wrenches to undo bolts),
C-clamp (to release old pads from rotors - very important),
Heavy hammer (to release stuck rotor from hub with a quick sharp blow),
Dust mask (to shield you from brake dust when you're whacking the rotors),
Hex keys (to undo hex bolt on rotor and slider pins),
Long zip ties (to tie up calipers on spring),
Cutters (to cut the zip ties when done),
Needle nose plier (to remove/install pad wear sensors on pads),
A good pair of washable mechanics gloves (Sears or Mechanics Wear will do fine).

If you are also replacing parking brake shoes, you will also need a parking brake spring plier (the spring is really strong and could take out your eye if proper tools are not used).

You will need to put the parking brakes in the release position in order to remove the rear rotors, because the inner part of the rear rotors function as a drum brake. But you don't need to release or undo anything else on the parking brakes.

Don't forget the supplies you'll need:
Brake slider grease
Anti squeal compound (the orange CRC compound is great)
Brake cleaner spray

Answer 4

I have replaced brakes on my 2000 323i and you will also need a 7 m hex key to remove the caliper bolts and a 5 mm hex key to remove the rotor hold down bolt.

The parking brake adjusters on my car are underneath the parking brake handle boot, on the interior console. The boot is held by a large rectangular spring at the base of the boot which expands to fit the console. Slip the edge of a plastic knife blade (picnic utensil) under one corner and work it out. Tension on the parking brake cables can be released by unscrewing the two hex nuts on the cable ends.

Check the link below for many BMW 3-series repair procedures. There are 13 separate procedures for various brake repairs and upgrades.

Good luck.

Answer 5

No special tools needed just the tools you listed, typically you should not have to loosen the parking brake, unless the rear rotors are seized, which I doubt.

Answer 6

probably around 1200 on the grounds that its a prior due variety 5. in case you bypass indie keep, ask to get OEM brake pads and rotors, you're able to get good aftermarket yet close to or dazzling OEM spec high quality rotors. yet do not skimp on the pads. hard artwork costs are somewhat high priced by way of fact they might desire to be achieved properly and via somebody it is commonly used with BMWs. do not bypass to a primary vehicle keep - you risk artwork achieved via those that ignore or dont understand approximately brake sensors and so on. Welcome to BMW excitement.