Author Topic: brake mechanics help (Read 753 times)

ROC · « **Reply #16 on:** November 11, 2005, 02:50:45 PM »

Pyro, now That's a great idea!

My Mum in Law has squeaky brakes, I'm gonna try that

-sudz- · « **Reply #17 on:** November 11, 2005, 03:02:01 PM »

Thanks Pyro - the squeaking is now gone. Unfortunately I've developed a problem with my front end. It keeps crumpling when impacting things (just stone and steel objects, mostly. Bio-mass elements just seem to slow me a little).

Thanks for the input everyone. I think I'll check out the ceramics but may end up just gritting my teeth and bearing it.

- sudz

SOB · « **Reply #18 on:** November 11, 2005, 04:20:47 PM »

Most cars and trucks have a knob on the dash to solve problems such as this. In addition to quieting down the squeeking, and any other assorted rattles or wind noises, it will also increase the volume of your stereo. Just keep turning the knob clockwise until you no longer hear the offending noise.

As far as the ceramic brake pads are concerned, I think cost is relative, unless I was just very lucky on price. Shucks had ceramic pads for my heap for $55. Which considering how long they last, seems pretty cheap to me.

Skuzzy · « **Reply #19 on:** November 11, 2005, 04:37:04 PM »

Price is relative. I was comparing the price to the current composite pads which are several 100% cheaper.

SOB · « **Reply #20 on:** November 11, 2005, 04:43:43 PM »

Yeah, as I recall I had choices of quality, spaced at $10 intervals. 25, 35, 45, and finally 55. That was for Wagoner...they probably even had super cheap crappier pads, but I've been down that path before when I was younger and (even more) dumber.

Dowding · « **Reply #21 on:** November 11, 2005, 05:51:21 PM »

I think BMW are trying to screw me over discs and pads (I think discs are called rotors over the pond).

Anyway, the guy was trying to convince me that under new regulations pads and discs are not as durable as they once were, because they can't use asbestos. I believe the bit about asbestos, but he went on to say that they don't use as good quality steel in the discs anymore because of the change in pad composition. The upshot of all this is that he wants to charge me £180 ($300) to replace the rear discs and pads on a car thats done only 25k miles.

Front disc wear I could accept, but rear discs barely wear at all in my experience.

Think I'll buy the parts myself and get my dad to help, but has anyone heard of a downgrade in disc/rotor materials?

eagl · « **Reply #22 on:** November 11, 2005, 06:02:02 PM »

Dowding,

Take a look at the rotors. If they're deeply grooved, then they MIGHT need replacing. Otherwise, leave them alone.

Unless you feel the car pulsing when you hit the brakes, in which case the rotors may be warped. But rotors shouldn't warp unless you use them very hard.

As for replacing ANYTHING at 25,000 miles, that's very unusual. I know I don't use my brakes like most people, but I get at least 70,000 miles from my brake pads. My car has well over 100,000 miles on them and I'm just barely into my second ever set of pads. I even raced SCCA autocross on my old pads and they lasted damn near forever. As for my rotors, they were a little bit grooved but a turn or two on the rotor refinisher and they're almost as good as new and will probably last another 70,000 miles.

And that's a pontiac trans-am. I can't imagine a BMW getting only 25,000 miles from a set of brake pads and rotors unless the car has been badly abused. Ripsnort will have better info on BMWs but it sounds like the guy is trying to rip you off. He'll probably take off your old parts and re-sell them to someone who got 100,000 miles from his brakes and is looking for a bargain that will last another 100,000 miles.

Unless something is broken, brakes shouldn't need replacing at 25,000 miles.

crowMAW · « **Reply #23 on:** November 11, 2005, 06:28:59 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Dowding
I think BMW are trying to screw me over discs and pads (I think discs are called rotors over the pond).

Sounds like BS. I had well over 50K miles on my BMW M3 before the first time I changed the rotors (discs). And I amature raced that car twice a month for 2 years, had a few track days and used kelated metal racing pads.

Roscoroo · « **Reply #24 on:** November 11, 2005, 11:26:24 PM »

unless there pulsing pedal , come and go sqweak , wear indicators hitting . (most bmw's have elec wear sensors that set off a warning light) or the pads are down to 1/4-1/3 pad material . they dont need to be replaced yet .

if the pads are low ,ussually a good scuff sanding of rotors/disc's is enough to toss new pads on . (as long as the disc's are in good shape)

Bmw's like oem (original equip manufaturer) pads mostly,, there trouble free and almost never sqweek or sqweal 99%of the time.

ps, most bmw's have thick disc's and take well over 200k for then to start getting bad.

Dowding · « **Reply #25 on:** November 12, 2005, 03:13:11 AM »

It's actually a BMW Mini Cooper S, but I was afraid to admit that.

The brakes still feel sharp enough and there is no feedback through the pedal that would have made me think there was a problem. No squeaking either. The BMW guy reckoned that the discs were worn just below their acceptable tolerance.

Thanks for the advice, I might take it to an independant garage and ask them to take a look.

Roscoroo · « **Reply #26 on:** November 12, 2005, 09:46:06 AM »

remember also alot of service shops , exsp dealers , will say your brakes are "Worn" just to sell ya the work . when in reality they are at half life .

SOB · « **Reply #27 on:** November 12, 2005, 12:18:43 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Dowding
It's actually a BMW Mini Cooper S, but I was afraid to admit that.

Man, you're as gay as Mini-D.

eagl · « **Reply #28 on:** November 12, 2005, 12:23:57 PM »

edit - nevermind

Swoop · « **Reply #29 on:** November 12, 2005, 12:29:56 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by SOB
Man, you're as gay as Mini-D.

Aw SOB, we knew that way before he bought a Mini.