Changing Brake Pads and Rotors - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

BarryC · 27th December 2001, 01:38

Ok, at the risk of sounding like a real neophyte, where can I find out how to change the brake pads and rotors on my car? Since I am putting the car on the track and these are wear items, I thought I could save a few bucks if I did it myself and besides, I'd would just like to do it!

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

BC

Tim W · 27th December 2001, 04:31

VERY easy to do even if you have a slight bit of mechanical inclanation(sp).

Jack up the car
Remove the wheel
Pop the spring loose and set aside
On the backside of the caliper cradel remove the two BIG bolts (17mm I think)
Pull the whole assembly back
Remove the old pads
Compress the cylinder (use a C clamp or a compression tool from Th Ultimate Garage)
To remove the roter:
You will see a hex key just off center of the roter. Remove it
Take a small sledge hammer (3lbs will do) and rest a towel on the edge of the roter, Pop the roter on the towel to free it from the hub.
Install new roter and re-attache the hex screw
Treat the pads with anti squeal and re-install
Put the brake caliper assembly back on
Put spring back on
Put on wheel (duh)
Move to next wheel.

Pretty simple actually. I can do it in less than an hour.

Let me know if you have Q's

Bart Carter · 27th December 2001, 04:35

Barry! Good to see a post from you. How are things?

I have not changed pads/rotors on an M5, but it shouldn't be hard. Those that have done it will probably respond shortly.

To change pads, you simply spread the old pads a little and lift them out. Then drop in the new pads. There should be some sort of retaining bolt/clip/etc. holding them in place. Should be easy to see.

On rotors you need to remove the caliper. This should be a bolt-on job. Do not remove the brake line - but, support the caliper so NO pressure pulls on the line. This way you will not have to bleed the brakes. I usually hang a caliper on something with a coat hanger.

Hopefully someone will give you specifics for M5s shortly.

Take care!

BarryC · 27th December 2001, 04:56

Thanks guys! I'll give it a whirl over the next few days and see if I have any questions.

Barry