DIY front brakes

[zipman35]

I’m thinking of tackling the brakes myself. However I’m a little Gun shy being German high End Car...

Ideas, tips if I decide to go that route? I’ve done Chevys and Jeeps but this is different

Or am I over thinking it?


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2005 RHD TJ Sport
2010 BMW 528xi

[Pelican Parts]

Hello - take a look at the link below to our site's DIY tech articles on brake jobs. If you have experience doing them in the past, even if on other models; this shouldn't be that different of a job. Best of luck.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...e60.htm#brakes

[jclausen]

I highly recommend using only factory BMW brake parts, not after market

[ECSTuning]

You're over thinking it. Brakes on the 528xi are going to be basically the same as doing them on your old Jeep/Chevy/etc. Just be ready for the rotor set screw to be nearly seized (most domestics don't use rotor set screws), I highly suggest having an impact screwdriver handy for breaking those loose.

-James

[zipman35]

A local shop quoted me a pretty compatible price to the dealership an hour away. Not much difference. I’m concerned about what parts they would use since I’ve heard more than once to use bmw parts

Maybe they would install what I buy

Edit: i’ve talk to the shop and they will install the part if I bring them The BMW pads will have the sensors correct?

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2005 RHD TJ Sport
2010 BMW 528xi

[pshovest]

In spite of what you've been told, most here do not use BMW brake pads or rotors, the dust is horrendous. There are many threads on selection of brake components. I've never used BMW brake pads in 35 years of ownership. BMW pads will not have the sensors, they are a separate part number.

[Cobra1956]

You can do this...and it is a great feeling when you do .Plus$$$$$$

[DaHose]

I went with Zimmerman rotors and Hawk pads (red) on my 2006 E61. That combo is awesome and affordable.

Brakes on an E60/61 are actually easier than an old car. I look to FCPEuro for parts. They offer lifetime warranties on everything you buy.

Jose

[pbonsalb]

I did the brakes on our 08 535xit. Pretty standard job. The wheel might be frizen to the hub if it has not been off in a while -- kick the tire around the circumference until the wheel breaks free. As noted, beware the frozen hex rotor hold down bolt -- it probably needs a shock to break loose but don't strip the head. And the rotor may then be frozen to the hub, so you may have to tap or whack repeatedly around the circumference. Clean and regrease the sliding pins.

[zipman35]

Just need to make sure I source the right parts and sensors

Thanks!!


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2005 RHD TJ Sport
2010 BMW 528xi

[zipman35]

https://www.tirerack.com/brakes/resu...lar=Base+Model

I found this on a basic google search

The sensors and rotors (if I wind up needing them) all seem to be available from parts geek

Any other recommendations before o go ahead with this?


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2005 RHD TJ Sport
2010 BMW 528xi

[pbonsalb]

Fcpeuro sells only good stuff. Can't go wrong with anything it sells and you will save money over the dealer. I would be fine with Brembo or Zimmerman or Ate or BMW rotors and happy with a variety of aftermarket pads as well as stock -- Pagid, Stoptech, BMW, Hawk, with ceramics dusting less while stopping fine. I'd skip the AutoZone or Pep Boys or no name eBay parts unless they are high carbon steel with a lifetime warranty and you don't mind doing the job again.

[Ateyourv8]

Its honestly pretty simple just like your other cars. If you don't feel to confident, snapping pics of components before you take them off might help with reassembly. Like orientation of the brake wear sensor etc.
But as others have stated, the wheel might be a pain to remove, a few wacks with a dead blow from the inside of the wheel usually does the trick. Also the hex bolt for the rotor might be hard to remove, i always insert the bit into the bolt and smack it a few times with a hammer and that usually tends to loosen it up. From there on it should be smooth sailing. If you have any questions along the way feel free to PM me!

[zipman35]

Thanks!


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2005 RHD TJ Sport
2010 BMW 528xi

[oh2ball]

Clean and regrease the sliding pins as pbonsalb said. Otherwise they will squeal like a pig when you brake.

[pshovest]

I don't grease sliding pins and they have never squeaked.

[pbonsalb]

Then they have not yet needed grease when you have done brakes but they will eventually and I would rather do it before then.

[bluptgm3]

ATE, Pagid, Jurid, Textar are all great German OE/OEM pads. Zimmerman, Brembo are OE/OEM rotors.
If this is a low mileage replacement you might just need pads, really easy DIY.
My E36 uses ~ 2 sets of front pads for one set of rear.

You should do a brake system flush and fill as part of this process, every two years is recommended for brake fluid.

Are you into the wear sensor? Do you have a brake sensor light?
Are you familiar with www.realoem.com for determining proper part numbers for parts required? Use you VIN or Build Date to drill down to required part part numbers.




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[zipman35]

Oh I’m into the sensor for sure

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...4116864906ktf1

This is what I’ve decided on. Thoughts opinions?

I know I need to check into some videos and reading about sensor orientation otherwise it’s just like any other brake job


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2005 RHD TJ Sport
2010 BMW 528xi

[bluptgm3]

Zimmerman is a good choice for rotors.
The wear sensor should be intuitive, the nub on one face of the sensor faces towards rotor. Use needle nose players to insert into notch in pad.

If the dash light is not illuminated you can reuse the sensor, use needle nose pliers to remove it from the onboard pad. Take care to not bend or loose the small spring clip.


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[pshovest]

Then they have not yet needed grease when you have done brakes but they will eventually and I would rather do it before then.

I've got 1.6MM miles on BMW's and the guide pins have never squeaked. Greasing slide pins is an internet myth. Rubber on steel doesn't squeak.

[bluptgm3]

Grease on guide pins is to insure the caliper glides and retracts/releases during and after brake application.


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[pshovest]

pbonsalb & oh2ball say its for squeaks. My calipers retract just fine....great pad life, no rotor over heating, and nothing squeaks.
Ever wonder why the factory doesn't use or recommend it?

[pbonsalb]

I don't think I said grease sliders to stop squeaks. The factory greased so they slide. I have dealt with frozen sliders before though not on cats I maintain since I regrease them

[pshovest]

I don't think I said grease sliders to stop squeaks. The factory greased so they slide. I have dealt with frozen sliders before though not on cats I maintain since I regrease them

Well, what exactly did you mean when you said they Then they have not yet needed grease in reply to me saying they don't squeak w/o grease?
I have never seen factory grease on any BMW caliper slide pins or bushings, they are always dry. If you saw it, someone else put it there.

I don't grease sliding pins and they have never squeaked.

Then they have not yet needed grease when you have done brakes but they will eventually and I would rather do it before then.