Getting ready to order rotors, pads and ....?

[CaryNC]

Hey guys! Thanks again for all the great advice.

Still working on the '95 525i and getting it road-worthy. $1,400 worth of salvage and new parts and the rear-end is looking real good. Just got the 80 amp fusible links and as soon as I find where they go, I'll have A/C, remote mirrors, etc. again!

Was getting ready to order a full set of ATE Premium rotors and Akebono pads, and sensors, etc. I'm going to let a local shop do the work, but my question is... with 135,000 miles on the car, should I have the wheel bearings or anything else changed out while they are doing the brake work...maybe save on some labor costs...or not?

I can't tell you how much I appreciate and value your opinions! Thx!

[4500 RPM]

Balo instead of Ate. Thank me in 40k miles. Want to save in labor costs? DIY...brakes are on the easy side.

[woods]

There's nothing preventative you can change along with the brakes to save labour. Bearings are expensive and removal of the brake rotors is only 5% of that job.

Might want to order 4 new brake hold-down bolts as they occasionally strip. Also order 2 new wear sensors if yours were triggered.

[CaryNC]

Thanks guys! Looked into the Balos, and their about $70 more for a set of 4...but if they are that much better, then worth the price.

And looks like we'll hold off on the preventative wheel bearings since there are no symptoms at this time.

[4500 RPM]

Originally Posted by CaryNC

Thanks guys! Looked into the Balos, and their about $70 more for a set of 4...but if they are that much better, then worth the price.

And looks like we'll hold off on the preventative wheel bearings since there are no symptoms at this time.

Are they really that much more? I bought my rotors from Autohaus and they were reasonably priced. If you save $70 then I would do the Ate rotors, honestly.

You'll love the pads.

Any way you can DIY this job?

[CaryNC]

Originally Posted by 4500 RPM

Are they really that much more? I bought my rotors from Autohaus and they were reasonably priced. If you save $70 then I would do the Ate rotors, honestly.

You'll love the pads.

Any way you can DIY this job?

Yeah...just checked Autohaus...a full set of rotors is $252, they were $240 at autopartswarehouse.

The ATE Premiums are only $174 for the full set.

[clevertd]

Originally Posted by 4500 RPM

Any way you can DIY this job?

He should probably PM me or something, since Cary is a 5 minute drive from my apartment and brakes are extremely simple

[jessejames]

Originally Posted by clevertd

He should probably PM me or something, since Cary is a 5 minute drive from my apartment and brakes are extremely simple

be careful when you offer your assistance on these boards
living in durham and needing some new brakes myself...
you might just be getting a call from me in the next few weeks!

[CO535i]

Rattle can of zinc spray for the rotors and a tube of that copper grease to keep the parts from sticking (ie. rotor to hub).

[Binjammin]

Originally Posted by woods

Might want to order 4 new brake hold-down bolts as they occasionally strip.

Well, usually what strips out are the threads where the caliper bolt attaches to the caliper mount. It's pretty uncommon for the bolt threads to be damaged, as they're hardened steel, so you can pull the threads out on the holder and still have a workable bolt. Like I said though, it's pretty uncommon for that to happen, and even then it's usually on cheaper cars. I don't recall it happening on to me with any BMWs.

There's almost always other factors also, like a cross threaded bolt by someone that's worked on it previously, or a bolt that's been overtightened. Just follow procedure and don't be a doofus and you'll be fine.

[eaglecomm]

Originally Posted by jessejames

be careful when you offer your assistance on these boards
living in durham and needing some new brakes myself...
you might just be getting a call from me in the next few weeks!

Just to watch it being done, I'll offer my garage and lift and tools. I haven't done them yet on the 5 and its always nice to see it done first! I will of course lend a hand and a brake bleeder. :-)

[clevertd]

Advance Auto carries brake bleeder screws that are a direct fit for our cars, I'll have to try and find the part number. Much cheaper than ordering an OEM screw that is the exact same thing.

Let me know what weekend you guys are thinking of, NC State has home football games for the entire month of September so my availability/ability to function will be limited on Saturdays