DIY Brakes...

[Absolutjh22]

Disclaimer: I am not a technician! Use this information at YOUR OWN RISK. These are notes from my personal experience replacing the brakes on my 2001 E38 740iA (w sport package). Some or all parts may vary due to manufacturing variations.

Tools I used :

6mm Allen (rotor bolt)
7mm Allen (caliper guide bolts)
16mm socket or wrench (caliper mount bracket)
17mm socket w 6" extension (lug bolts)
3/8" x 3" socket extension
Ratchet (3/8")
Breaker bar (3/8" optional)
Flat head screwdriver (small pry bar)
Small Pry Bar (removing caliper)
Mallet (removing rotors)
C Clamp or bar clamp (compress caliper)
Wire Brushes (cleaning calipers etc)
Scuff Pad (cleaning parts)
Brake Cleaner Spray (1 can per axle suggested)
Penetrating Lubricant (I like PBlaster)
Wire Hanger (holding caliper)
Rags
Work Gloves
Floor jack and stands

Before begining any project I HIGHLY suggest that you RTFM...

1. Loosen Lug bolts with vehicle on the ground

2. Using floor jack raise vehicle to appropriate height and place vehicle on jack stands. Make sure the jack stands are on the frame. Leave jack in place, just in case.

3. Familiarize yourself with the components...

4. Remove the dust caps from the caliper guide bolts

5. Loosen the caliper guide bolts using the 7mm Allen (I used a 3/8" x 7mm Allen driver & 3/8" x 3" extension w 3/8" ratchet)

6. Remove the caliper retaining clip (I used my screwdriver and pryed gently to remove it)

7. With caliper guide bolts and retaining clip removed you can now remove the caliper and pads.

8. With caliper removed you can remove the pads and see the brake lining sensor.


stay tuned... more to come!

[Edwin NL]

Ehh were is the rest of the DIY??

[Absolutjh22]

to all my loyal fans... sorry Ive not had time to log-in and complete this write up. I will do so this weekend.

[IcemanBHE]

Ill copy it to the DIY forum when you do.

[Edwin NL]

Thank you!!!

[Pedro Rabie]

Excellent post, thank you!!!!

[ue2004]

Anyone notice that the outer pad has a slightly angled hook to fit in the pads without using a #7 Allen wrench to remove the slider bolts? (at least on the new pads I got from O"Reilly's)

[Plum e38]

I just put the akebonos on. Once you get the first side on, it's down hill from there. Not sure if you plan to mention, but be prepared to torque the lugs upon reinstallation.

I'm looking forward to wheels without dust!!!!

[LasVegasE38]

I haven't had to remove my guide pins to change pads.