Getting ready to replace my rear pads. Unlike most cars, the F25's have an electromechanical parking brake integrated in the brake caliper. The E89, F10 and F12's also have this system, and maybe others.
Gone are the days of simply compressing the caliper piston with my C clamp. There is now an electromechanical actuator attached to the back side of the caliper. This actuator prevents you from simply compressing the piston and installing new pads.
There is a little info on the web, but not much. What I've found so far is that you can easily remove the actuator and then manually retract the internal parking brake spindle. The actuator is attacked to the caliper with two torx bolts. After removing the actuator, there is a splined spindle that needs to be turned in order to back off the parking brake spindle inside the caliper piston. One source says you need a 7mm allen wrench and turn the spindle clockwise. The other source says to turn the spindle counter clockwise. I'm not sure which way is correct.
Does anyone have any additional info on this topic?
Just finished up replacing the rear brake pads. The only thing different is dealing with the electric parking brake.
I had previously checked the rotor thickness and it was greater than the 18.4 mm minimum thickness that was stamped on the rotor.
The wear sensor was just starting to wear and was still serviceable. No need to replace.
The first thing I did was unplug the parking brake actuator cable. Next, I removed the two T30 bolts that attach the actuator to the back of the caliper. The actuator is easily removed. I've attached a couple of pics of the business side of the actuator. The shaft that extends into the caliper is a multi tooth gear type design. I didn't have a tool that matched this but a 7mm allen wrench fits well enough. Later on I saw a youtube video and they used a T45 torx bit instead of the allen wrench.
After removing the actuator, I used a 7mm allen wrench to retract the internal parking brake spindle. Just insert the allen wrench into the back side of the caliper and turn clockwise until it stops. That means you have internally retracted the mechanism so that you can then compress the caliper piston. Very easy to compress with a small C clamp.
After that, replacing the pads is the usual process.
The last thing I did was replace the actuator. Make sure it fits snugly. You have to turn it slightly one way or another to get the gear inserted. Not very hard at all. Bolt it on and plug it in.
Pump the brakes, start the X3, and then set the parking brake. You will hear the motors crank for a few seconds as they reposition themselves.
I reset the dashboard reminder.
Everything went smoothly. If you've done brakes before, you should have no problem.
No. The fronts were done under warranty after repeated complaints of squealing. Squealing only happened when you were inching through drive thru's. I think I had about 40,000 on them when the pads were replaced. Rotors were still good.
Hi wavewuver, apologies for the late question.
My 2013 X3 says the rear pads will need changing in about 2000 miles at about 20500 miles. Although now retired I used to be a mechanic so changing brake pads is no issue for me and BMW quoted £245.00 for the work when I can get a set of Pagid pads for about £45.00 !!!.
Just wondered if the rear pad sensor is easy to change across to the new pad as I haven't done this on the X3 before? Others I have worked on had a wire embedded in the pad.
Do I understand correctly that you can reset the service pad replacement warning in the same way as you do when you get a low pressure warning i.e. through the I drive controller and satnav display?
I got about 70,000 miles on the rear brake pads. I really doubt you need new pads yet. Did you get the warning symbol on the dash or just silly computer that says you need new pads in 2000 miles. If the wear sensor was actually triggering your need for work, then you need to buy a new sensor plus the pads. The wear sensor simply plugs into a groove in the pads. It rather easy to replace.
My rear pads were replaced at 44,000, at which point they measured 3mm. The parts list included the brake pads, wear sensor, brake pad paste, and brake cleaner.
Hi , our car tells us we need to replace the rear pads in 1000 miles so will have done 21,000 miles the dealership also says the discs will want replacing as well because there is a lip on the outer edge , my thoughts are 21000 miles is quite early to need new discs ?
On my 2011 x3 (F25), I successfully changed the rear rotors, pads, and sensor. Then, I reset the rear brake warning without any issues. However, my parking brake and Auto H function no longer work. When driving, I can still pull the parking brake button/lever for emergency stopping. When I hit the Auto H button, car displays a message saying to use manual braking.
Anyone with ideas or experience with this type of issues?
Sorry I can't offer any help on this as when I changed mine the sensor was not damaged.
My only thought is were the pads worn down to the sensor i.e. was your brake warning light triggered? If so then maybe your warning light system needs resetting?
I replaced the sensor and reset the brake warning message.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
BimmerFest BMW Forum
11.4M posts
753.1K members
Since 2001
A forum community dedicated to BMW owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about Bimmerfest events, production numbers, programming, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Bringing the BMW community together.