Rear Caliper Seize

[bui520]

Hi All,
My bmw 2008 328i sedan.
I was working with replacing all the rotors and brake pads for my vehicle. I did the front and was able to depress the caliper. However, I encounter something in the rear, i guess since it's rear wheel drive, maybe a bit harder. I tried using a depress caliper tool. The Caliper is just seize. Does this mean I need to replace the caliper. Let me know thanks.

[seattlesquash]

Hi All,
My bmw 2008 328i sedan.
I was working with replacing all the rotors and brake pads for my vehicle. I did the front and was able to depress the caliper. However, I encounter something in the rear, i guess since it's rear wheel drive, maybe a bit harder. I tried using a depress caliper tool. The Caliper is just seize. Does this mean I need to replace the caliper. Let me know thanks.

Keep in mind that some calipers compresses and rotates (spiral), hence I always use a tool that will allow turning too. Hard for me to say if it turns or not since my tool allows for both. I bought s snap-on tool a long time ago a (15+ years) and used it a bunch for friends/family and is universal to American, European and Asian cars etc.

I paid way to much but it is snap-on, but here are so other ones that will work for you, upon you verify descriptions.
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/caliper-tool

[bui520]

Just get the set 21 pcs Disc Brake Caliper Piston Pad Car Auto Wind Back Hand Tool Kit ? Thanks , yes description saids it fits the car.

[seattlesquash]

Just get the set 21 pcs Disc Brake Caliper Piston Pad Car Auto Wind Back Hand Tool Kit ? Thanks , yes description saids it fits the car.

Go for it! It's cheap too, I likely paid close to $200 for my snap-on one.

[bui520]

How will this kit that you recommended me help though, i actually use this ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SQU9K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 )

to do the front tires and the caliper would just depress fine, until i got to the rear.

[seattlesquash]

How will this kit that you recommended me help though, i actually use this ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SQU9K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 )

to do the front tires and the caliper would just depress fine, until i got to the rear.

Key us that some of the more expensive kits have the round piston plate with some tabs in them that grab it and turn clockwise as you turn in/compress the caliper. Likely not needed but I just mentioned it in case, and that is the difference between this kit and mine. However, should still go in as long as the end-plate is on a swivel and allowed to rotate as you push it in and not resisted by the friction of the plate/interface joint to the old pad or piston. Hope that makes sense?

[bui520]

ok. I see. What happens if the caliper is totally seize? Thanks just wondering if you ran into those problems.

[seattlesquash]

ok. I see. What happens if the caliper is totally seize? Thanks just wondering if you ran into those problems.

I would buy a rebuilt kit and take it apart. However, surprised if it is, assuming it worked ok prior to pad change. Make sure you are using the compress tool correctly so that it is allowed to move and you are not hanging up on something. To answer your question, I never had an issue on all my cars where it is totally seized up. But I am a total maintenance freak so maybe that's why it never happens! :)

Also if you had the issue I would have given you my old one front/rear which I ended up giving to a friend after an upgrade. However, I bet you can find a good working condition rear on on eBay for $50. Also, consider steel braided lines at one point... Slight increase in break performance/feel!

[mechanicii]

If I am correct the rear caliper 08 328i does not have a piston on the caliper that needs to be turned when compressing it. The e-brake is in the rotor which is activated by cables.

[cheech1]

Yes, the piston does not have to be turned when pushing it in. Check your brake lines for kinks. Is the tool you are using pushing the piston in straight?

[cochise325]

They do seize. This can happen if the brake fluid is not changed often enough. The brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it can absorb water from the air. Once the brake fluid is contaminated with water, the caliper can rust and the piston can stick in the caliper. The caliper will need to come off the car to be rebuilt, or replaced with a rebuilt caliper. A rebuilt caliper is readily available. Check bavauto.com eeuroparts.com ecstuning.com