Brake Caliper Upgrade/removal

[liltrig99]

Ok, I know im probably gonna get something saying i should search the forum, but i already have, and all i can find is DIY on how to change the brake pads. I need to know how to actually replace the caliper and install a new one. Any directions comments or pics would really help.


Thanks,
RABM

[Delmarco]

Originally posted by liltrig99@Oct 2 2004, 02:50 PM
Ok, I know im probably gonna get something saying i should search the forum, but i already have, and all i can find is DIY on how to change the brake pads. I need to know how to actually replace the caliper and install a new one. Any directions comments or pics would really help.


Thanks,
RABM

[snapback]203570[/snapback]

Brakes is one of those things I WON'T mess with unless I'm 1000% sure of what I to do. How to do it. And most important knowing when I'm doing it right or wrong before finishing and finding out during a 60 mph+ cruise down the Blvd.

I'm all for the DIY thing but be wary!

[Delmarco]

Actually check this site and scroll down to the Brakes section.


http://www.geocities.com/e36rulz/DIY.html


There is like 13 DIY links for doing just about everythhing to upgrade or repair your brakes!




Lucky number 13....



Good Luck

[NeverLeaned]

Ummmm... no offense bro, but if you have to ask this question, your MUCH better off having someone with experience change them for you.

I've heard one two many stories of people forgetting a retaining clip, not properly bleeding their system etc etc, then improperly 'testing' the results of their install, by backing it out of driveway and going down the street with it just to have their brake pedal to hit the floor at a stop sign.

If you have changed brakes/rotors before then upgrading/replacing calipers isn't much more difficult. Prep the new caliper for install (see a pad install DIY and follow instructions after the removal of old pad) ....... remove the brake line from the old caliper....... watch the break fluid spillage, attach b-line to new caliper.... remount caliper (see brake install DIY again), Properly bleed the brake system (im sure there is a DIY for this out there) and your off

BTW... absolutely do not skip bleeding the system. Depending on how fast you are at removing brake lines.... but you will almost surely get air in brake lines......

[wulley1]

There is a little bit of truth to what the guys said above. If you have never worked on your brakes before, a mistake can be costly or even deadly. However, it's really damn easy to change the rotors and pads!

I would suggest having a friend who has experiance working on brakes help you out, just to be safe. You'll gain the experiance and knowledge, but still have a safe car to drive. Don't be frieghten off.

Now to help answer your question. In your header, you mentioned that you wanted to upgrade your calipers. Is there a certain pair that you want to install? If you're looking to improve your braking, I would suggest switching to cross drilled rotors, and performance brake pad. For rotors, I only trust Brembo and Zimmerman. For pads, Hawk HPS, and EBC Green stuff are hot setup right now. Honorable mention would go to Axxis Ultimates, and PBR metal masters.

If you're looking for even more performance, Switch to stainless steal brake lines(usually about $100-$150 for a full set). If your car has 150K miles or more, I would suggest rebuilding the caliper pistons or replacing them. OEM calipers are about $70 (ignoring $50 core charge), rebuild kits are about $30

[jllphan]

Ha, ha neverleaned, I know what your talking about.

I recently changed my pads (which is incredibly easy on the e36) and once complete went for a test drive. Pulling out of the driveway, as I get to the end of it, I hit the brakes, and nothing. I FORGOT TO PUMP THE BRAKES BEFORE GETTING IN THE CAR TO DRIVE. It was no big deal, but I felt like an ass as I slamed out into the street and used my Parking brake to come to a stop. Learned my lesson about being drunk when changing pads, that's for sure.

[wulley1]

I did the same thing too. I realized it after I put the car in reverse though, and never made it out of the driveway.

[thekid]

You can do it. Anybody really could. Just make sure you have metric wrenches and a screw driver and follow the directions in the DIY very carefully. If you do have a friend that is mechanically inclined, then give him a call and offer him a six pack AFTERWARDS, if he comes and helps you out. GOod luck with it.

[wulley1]

I bribed my friend with beer and steak. He did one side of the car while I worked on the other. We had the front pads/rotors changed, and the calipers sanded and paint in an hour.

[liltrig99]

Well.... I did it. It wasn't really diffucult at all. I actually did it on my moms nissan sentra, because she had a bad caliper and needed a new one. All i had to do was take off the caliper like i was changing the breaks, then unscrew the brake line. After putting on the new brake line i bleed the system and then i was off. Works perfect, and saved me $80. I think now i can go ahead and take of my calipers on my 318, so i can paint them............. That will be my next project.

[wulley1]

it's so much easier to paint them when it's off. I'm really glad I went through the trouble of doing it. What color are you thinking about?