Brakes are screamin - BMW Forum

BMW Kraft · 01-15-2006, 11:03 AM

So I was racing to work going around 90mph, then I change lanes. On the freeway I was on the lane markers are basically stripes with bumps. So I hit the bump and made it into the next lane fine. But for some odd reason my front right wheel brake starts to screech. At first I thought it was my stereo but then I turned it off and it disappeared. Once I got off the freeway and got on some sidestreets it started to screech again... and again... and again... and then finally when I'm like 100 feet from my work the brakes sound like fingernails being dragged down a chalkboard

:

Does this just mean I need new brake pads? or is it worse?
If it's break pads, how much should I expect to pay a mechanic to do that, or is there a DIY on this?

Thanks ahead of time.

97alpineM3 · 01-15-2006, 12:59 PM

There are a lot of DIY pages on brake pads... If you've never looked at your brakes before... and know nothing of them.. I suggest getting someone who does to look at them.. as they are an important part of your car that needs to be taken care of very often and looked after.

Good Luck,

Les

Cruzin 323is · 01-16-2006, 01:48 AM

ok, i had a similar problem.... just a few questions i have for u...

1- does it happen if you don't apply the break??
2- can u feel a difference in the braking power?

BMW Kraft · 01-16-2006, 10:26 AM

It does happen when I don't break.
And I can't really tell about the braking power.

SpooldUp · 01-16-2006, 10:32 AM

if so equipped, is the wear sensor light on? the pads them selves have material in them at wear depth that makes a sound so you know to replace them.
OEM replacement pads only will run 80-120 to DIY. a shop, you are looking at at least twice that.

BMW Kraft · 01-16-2006, 10:38 AM

I got a shop to do it cus I needed it done ASAP (in other words in order to get home lol). They charged $139 to replace the brake pads, and the worst part is it still screeches!!!!!

used:

SpooldUp · 01-16-2006, 10:49 AM

just the front ones for 139?

BMW Kraft · 01-16-2006, 10:51 AM

ya, those are the ones that are screamin, he didn't smooth out the rotars tho (or whatever it's called).

Cruzin 323is · 01-16-2006, 10:33 PM

ok, u obviously have the same problem that i had...

my problem was that part of the rotor started to rust.. then a couple pieces flaked off... and fell behind the rotor

since it fell behind the rotor it would rub, which gave me a constat metal on metal contact and would make my car have a horrible sound.. sorta like what you have...

another question for u... this is only happeending to 1 side? or both sides...

eitherway, i would suggest, you take the wheel off, then take the rotor off, and take some compressed air, and shoot it on the hub... and clean everything... this should fix your problem..

stracer · 01-17-2006, 03:05 AM

I remember once some how a rock got caught in mine but it made more of a grinding sound. I know on my 323is my brakes are good but for some reason they screetch every once and awhile. The only thing I could think of is brake dust.

BMW Kraft · 01-17-2006, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruzin 323is

ok, u obviously have the same problem that i had...

my problem was that part of the rotor started to rust.. then a couple pieces flaked off... and fell behind the rotor

since it fell behind the rotor it would rub, which gave me a constat metal on metal contact and would make my car have a horrible sound.. sorta like what you have...

another question for u... this is only happeending to 1 side? or both sides...

eitherway, i would suggest, you take the wheel off, then take the rotor off, and take some compressed air, and shoot it on the hub... and clean everything... this should fix your problem..

I'll give that a shot today. Is there a good DIY for how to remove the rotor (I don't want to end up with a rotar in one hand and no idea how to put it on correctly lol)

BMW Kraft · 01-17-2006, 11:07 AM

Oh and the brake lights didn't go on (hell I didn't even know there were break lights). I just thought the screaching was a sign that I had to swap them.

Cruzin 323is · 01-17-2006, 12:53 PM

removing rotor is a very simmple procedure...
1-take wheel off,
2- there are 2 bolts holding caliper on, remove 2 bolts..
3- rotor is held on by 1 allen key
4- remove allen key, and rotor comes off, with a little bit of pressure..

there is def a DIY on pelican parts...lemmie see if i can find it./.

Cruzin 323is · 01-17-2006, 12:56 PM

http://www.bimmerdiy.com/diy/e36brakesystem

this is a great DIY site... check all the things there are write up's for...
http://www.bimmerdiy.com/e36

BMW Kraft · 01-17-2006, 05:26 PM

thanks cruzin, i'll definitely give it a go after I'm done working in 2 weeks.