Brake pads and rotors

S

Spaceman Spiff

Member
My brake pad light's been on for almost a month now and I just didn't have time to take the car in for service. I called today to set an appointment and they said it'll cost $400/axle so I am now considering buying the pads and doing it myself :) A couple of questions from the experts:

1- I am looking at AXXIS delux advanced street pads and they are suspiciously cheap! $51 for front and $37 for rear. Why is it so much cheaper than the dealer's quote? I know the dealer # includes labor but does it really take that much time or do they change rotors as well?

2- How do I know if I need rotors AND pads or just pads? Is there a way to tell by looking at it? Should I change all 4?

Thanks :)

Edit: The AXXIS prices from Zeckhausen.com
 
I am going to do the same thing, pads and rotors. I have never done it on a BMW of any kind but have looked it over and if you can pick up a wrench you can do it. I have done it at least 20 times over the years. My daughter does it on her cars and she is a CPA. :?

Most of what you are paying for is labor. :thumbsdown: There are many places on the web that will give you step by step instructions. Maybe not on a Zed but they are all similar. :)
 
WaZZZZman said:
I am going to do the same thing, pads and rotors. I have never done it on a BMW of any kind but have looked it over and if you can pick up a wrench you can do it. I have done it at least 20 times over the years. My daughter does it on her cars and she is a CPA. :?

Most of what you are paying for is labor. :thumbsdown: There are many places on the web that will give you step by step instructions. Maybe not on a Zed but they are all similar. :)
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LoL I am a CPA too :P
I found several instructions for E46 and it must be very similar; however I don't know which parts I need to order to begin with! I.e. do I need pads and rotors, just pads, just rotors and how many? Is there a way you can tell by just looking at it w/o taking the wheels out?
 
I bought the axxis deluxe pads and the uhm plain rotors that were also on zeckenhause (or however it is spelled) then only a 72 USD labor charge from the place my dad takes his car. They had no problems changing the pads/rotors. So $169 for parts (not counting shipping) and $72 for labor. I wanted the shop to change the brake fluid too but the guy didn't know or have any data on how bmw brake systems were as far as the fluid goes and really didn't want to change it. From what I knew it is like most other brake systems, but they didn't want to go off my Chiltons manual, I really don't blame them as it would be considered their fault if something went wrong.

Anyways back on track
Yeah the dealer here in Vegas quoted me around 400 (or maybe 600) bucks to change just the front rotors/pads. I wonder if the BMW feller noticed my jaw almost hit the floor. I wouldn't change all four unless they all need new pads....fronts and rears wear out different from each other. That said, change either both fronts or both rears. Never do half. Uneven braking power is not fun.
I think in my chiltons manual it has limits (dimensions) for checking your rotors to see if they need replacing. I can check it tommorow and see. *edit* remember too (this may not be so with all dealers) dealers would rather replace everything than reuse stuff.
 
I just had Axxis Deluxe pads installed today by the local Goodyear gear head. He's been working on all my vehicles for the last 5 years. He said it was a straight forward install. Charged me $75 + I tipped him $25. Been busy bedding the brakes today. Will find out how much less dust it puts out in the next couple of days.
 
You'll love the lack of brake dust. Tell me how the pads are with the disks....I may just get my rears replaced.
 
I've got just over 9000 miles on my Axxis Deluxe pads (front and rear) and love them! :thumbsup:
Dust is minimal and pedal feel and stopping power is comparable to the stock pads. Every once and a while I'll get a little squeak at very low speed coming to a stop.
Other than that, a tremendous improvement over stock pads.
 
BlackSapphireZ said:
question is... do you have the tools to do it?
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You don’t need much in the way of tools to do a brake job. You need a lug wrench or correct socket to take the wheel lugs off. I use air tools but you do not need them to do a good job, hand tools work fine. Something to jack up the car and jack stands to hold the car in the air.

By the way try this old technique for added safety. When you get your car on the jack stands. Get an inflated old tire and wheel out of another car, or barrow one from a neighbor and place it under the car. If it falls of the jack stands it will fall on the tire. If it is under the car in a place like under the engine or transmission it will keep the car from coming down on you as you are working.

Anyway back to replacing the brakes and tools needed. After the wheels are off all you need is a screwdriver to unclip the anti-rattle spring. A set of sockets to remove the caliper and as far as tools that is about it. There are many other things you must do to replace the brakes, but as far as tools that is about it. Certainly nothing exotic that you would not have in your garage or tools you could get at an auto store.

We have had folks here in my area pay $700-$900 to have JUST the pads replaced. Shameful… :(
 
For my E46, BMW recommended that I change the rotors each time I changed the brake pads. However, I found that I can go through two pairs of brake pads before changing the rotors.

A c-clamp is another tool that will be helpful. You'll want one to compress the piston to put on the new pads on the caliper.
 
fins said:
I just had Axxis Deluxe pads installed today by the local Goodyear gear head. He's been working on all my vehicles for the last 5 years. He said it was a straight forward install. Charged me $75 + I tipped him $25. Been busy bedding the brakes today. Will find out how much less dust it puts out in the next couple of days.
Click to expand...


4 days since installation and brake dust is barely detectable. Pads perform excellent. Glad I went with Axxis :thumbsup:
 
Dave (Zeckhausen) also sells the modified CDV valve for you guys with manual tranny. Dave is one helluva guy that will help out with any questions regarding install etc.
 
Hello guys !

I am currently preparing myself for my first ever track event (with a professionnal help for my first session... :p).
Since my Z4 is in "factory condition", i am concerned about braking (tires are fine, and will be changed anyhow shortly after that).
After some reading, here and there, i am planning on buying a set of brand new pads with better performance than OEM pads.
So, what do i do ? :D
My Z4 is my daily-driver, so i don't want to invest in racing only pads. It would seem that Axxis Deluxe Advanced brake pads and Axxis ULT high performance brake pads are recommended.
Which one exactly, for that one first event ?
 
In my opinion I would not sweat the brake pad situation this event. You will most likely not be driving 10/10ths as they say so what will you need? Every day brake pads will work for you, they will definitely fade on you, but they will work. Just like golf, you need to learn the basic techniques before investing money in a set of clubs. In saying all that is still wouldn't hurt to change out your everyday pads to a "semi" track pad such as the Axiss UlT's. They will be better on the track for you. They aren't a true track pad but would be perfect for your needs. I'm guessing on this because I don't know you nor the track etc. I would not drive with the ULT's for everyday use. That is just me. Working temperatures for different pads and different driving conditions call for different pads. I would get the Axxis Deluxe Advanced pads and install for everyday use. Whatever you decide is best, make sure you bed the pads/rotors in per recommendations etc. You may find that the Z4 can be pushed hard, well beyond what you have ever pushed the vehicle. More importantly, with a good instructor, you will most likely find that you can be pushed much harder than what you ever experienced. First event you may achieve 7/10ths which is really good. Talk to any of the instructors in the school you will be using for advice about anything concerning operation, safety, etc. The instructor should be trained enough to answer all your questions. Remember, he will be sitting in the other chair on the track with you. It is in his interest to make this a unique, fun and safe school for you. It is a superb experience whether you do this once or get hooked and become a track junkie.

Alan, another forum member, I believe is a certified instructor and hopefully, if he reads this thread, will add much more to it than I have or can.

However you approach this keep in mind that safety is the priority for all involved. You will have a great time, learn a lot and make new friends.
Bona fortuna!

Cheers,
Greg
 
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