BMW Brake Repair Tips – BMW Greensboro, NC

BMW Auto Brake Repairs

Heed these tips and you’re on your way to ensuring your BMW brakes won’t fail:

Repair Tip #1: Keep the hydraulic reservoir at the proper level with the fluid type recommended by BMW. Never substitute or mix types of fluid. Remember also that hydraulic fluid absorbs water. Never use old hydraulic fluid – always use a fresh container.

Repair Tip #2: Keep brakes clean by washing them off at the same time as your car. This keeps squeaky dust and dirt off the pads and makes brakes easier to inspect and work on.

BMW Service Tip #3: Never spray, touch or drip any oil or lubricants on the brake friction surfaces. If this occurs, spray immediately with brake cleaner to remove completely

BMW Repair Tip #4: There are no shortcuts or quick fixes to brake problems. They either function properly or they don’t. Know your brake system – how it should work, feel and sound – before it acts up so you’ll know when something’s wrong.

BMW repair Tip #5: Most imports don’t have serviceable rotors. They must be replaced at the same time as the pads. The rotors cannot be “turned” to remove imperfections. There isn’t sufficient metal thickness to safely accomplish this.

 BMW Repair Tip #6: Keep a repair log with receipts when any service is performed on your BMW. It helps when you need to check if your warranty is still in effect. More importantly, it’s a great gauge of performance and an indicator of other problems.

 Repair Tip #7: Whenever the pads are replaced, the hydraulic system must be bled to remove any air bubbles. Most BMW specialists recommend changing the fluid with every pad replacement. If you’re unsure of the proper technique for bleeding the hydraulic system, don’t perform the job yourself. Seek help from a BMW Greensboroprofessional. ABS equipped cars should be bled only by professionals.

 Repair Tip #8: Most noises are usually related to your pads. However, whenever replacing pads, you should also replace the sensors and seriously consider replacing the rotors at the same time.

Repair Tip #9: After installing new pads, remember to “set” them properly. This conditions them for maximum performance and prevents premature failure. Instructions for setting pads are usually provided in the package with your new pads.

Brake Parts Shopping List

When shopping for BMW brake parts, remember two important things:
1. OEM/OES (original equipment manufactured/supplied) or equivalent pads and rotors are not always cheap. You do, however, get what you pay for. OE parts will give you the most trouble-free driving and peace of mind. And . . . isn’t that what’s most important?

2. Before requesting any brake parts for your BMW, make sure you have the year, exact model designation, engine size and type, brake configuration, type of rotors (solid or vented), vehicle ID number (VIN) and production date. For Volvos, you’ll also need rotor diameter, caliper manufacturer and mount and shape of the pads.

Here is a list of parts you should consider when working on BMW brake systems:

• Front Brake Rotors (Brake Discs)
• Front Brake Pads
• Rear Brake Rotors (Brake Discs) or Rear Brake Drums
  Rear Brake Pads or Brake Shoes
• Brake Sensors (front and/or rear, as applicable)
• Brake Calipers or Caliper Rebuild Kits
• Wheel Cylinders
• Hydraulic Hoses
• Hose/Tube Fittings
• Brake Master Cylinder
• Power Booster
• Reservoir & Grommets
• Brake Proportioning Valve Assembly
• Hydraulic & Brake Fluid
• Brake Cleaner
• Anti-Squeal Compound