Brake judder after service

[gmorris03]

Hi Guys,

I had my oil service and brake fluid done two weeks ago at BMW and I now have a judder coming through the steering under braking. I can't see how I've warped a disc as the car has been used very little since. Is there any way BMW could have done something whilst changing the fluid to cause it? I admittedly know very little about the tech bits of the car so it'll be good to have your opinion before I tackle them!!

Thanks very much!!!!

 

[MrPT]

Quite likely that the brake fluid change has flushed some gunk through into the calliper and the piston is now fully or partly seized, holding the brake pad (typically the inner one) onto the disc under braking. More likely than a warped disc, anyway.

You might have some luck reversing and braking hard to unstick the pad (this works because the piston often seizes at a slight angle), but it will only free it up temporarily. One seized, the calliper usually needs a refurb or replacement, which isn't the end of the world because it is relatively inexpensive (you can trade in your current calliper and get a rebate).

I would take it back to garage and tell them what has happened. They should really know that this is a common issue on this car (especially the nearside front brake) and is always a risk after replacing the brake fluid on a high mileage car.