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Thread: 323i Rear Caliper Question

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2017
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    Rowley, MA
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    1983 320is

    323i Rear Caliper Question

    While rebuilding the 323i calipers I noticed the orientation of the brake pad spacer (see red arrow) isn't consistent. On the driver's side, the vertical spacer is located on the side opposite the bleeder screw.


    But on the passenger side, it's on the same side as the bleeder.

    Does it make any difference and if so, which is correct? The calipers look pretty bad, but bores are perfect and with a wire brush, new seals and pistons, they will be like new. BTW,
    progress continues on the Bronzit's euro driveline swap into the Hennarot with both rear subframes, diffs and suspensions out and ready for installation.


  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
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    Eric would say you need to zinc plate those things. Can i have permission to forward a pic to him?

  3. #3
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    So puzzling this out, seems to me the vertical post should go next to the fixed pad to keep it in place while the pad on the piston side should be free to move. Make sense?

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by okieflats View Post
    Eric would say you need to zinc plate those things. Can i have permission to forward a pic to him?
    Feel free.

  4. #4
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    Those look like two different types of spring spacers you have; not simply the same spacers in different orientations. Is that what you meant? Which type is correct?

    - - - Updated - - -

    Yes. The outboard pad is the fixed one, is it not? So that would mean you first, top picture is correct.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by okieflats View Post
    Those look like two different types of spring spacers you have; not simply the same spacers in different orientations. Is that what you meant? Which type is correct?

    - - - Updated - - -

    Yes. The outboard pad is the fixed one, is it not? So that would mean you first, top picture is correct.
    These were "professionally" rebuilt and zinc plated about 15 years ago. I've got the proper spacers from Walloth and Nesch now. New seals and pistons in. Think I'm all set.

  6. #6
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    well let us see a pic after you're done cleaning them up and reassembling. maybe that's what road salt does to calipers.



    This one looks like the spring spacer used for 2 piston front calipers. It might have worked for a one piston caliper, but doesn't look correct to me.

  7. #7
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    Looking much better after knocking off the rust and new parts installed. Excelsior!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
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    Austin, TX
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    1978 323i
    Boy, those calipers sure look like they had a long nap in a wet place!

    I was looking for new hardware myself recently and there are definitely no bargains to be had there

    Hope they work out well for you!

  9. #9
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    Artifacts recovered from the RMS Titanic

  10. #10
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    1979 E21 320i
    Definitely looks better! I’d take the time to get them sandblasted and paint/powder coat them myself just to protect them in the coming years
    -John

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
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    1980 BMW 320i E21 M10B18

    Cool

    Indeed, there is also High Temperature Urethane Caliper Paint Kits from the reviews done assembled as well, brake cleaner outside, wire brush clean and brush it on, perfect time to do it.

    Randy
    Last edited by 320iAman; 06-11-2019 at 11:42 AM.

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