Rear brakes, help required.

[dhobbs]

I tried to do my rear discs and pads this weekend but I got stuck on the discs wrt the brake shoes.
I read you have to poke a screwdriver though a bolt hole and slacken the shoes off.
First question is where exactly is the adjuster?
Second question,which way to turn to slacken (I'm sure I can figure this out when I find the adjuster, but advice is always accepted)?
Third question, is there a setup procedure for adjusting the handbrake once the new discs are on?

Do I need both wheels off the ground or can I do this one at a time? (Fourth question...)

Thanks in advance,
Daz

 

[dhobbs]

Oh, just to mention, I did have the handbrake off.

 

[Z4M-2006]

You can do it one wheel at a time..

You need to access the adjuster roller through one of the wheel bolt holes.. Get a torch and you will see it as a large castellated wheel.. You need a flat screwdriver to move the adjuster wheel.. Its easy to tell if you go the wrong way with the adjuster,as the disc will lock and unable to rotate if you widen the adjuster screw..

Back the adjuster off as far as you can and the disc should knock off with a little gentle persuasion.

 

[EdButler]

Back the adjuster off as far as you can and the disc should knock off with a little gentle persuasion.

Or.... Don't bother backing them off and use a bigger hammer . The drums shouldn't be lipped much at all so just give them a good whack with a rubber mallet. I remember years ago mine needed a good few whacks but came off in no time - just make sure you hit outward.

 

[dhobbs]

The disc was stuck fast to the hub and it took a lot of whacking to get it loose, but the shoes were still grabbing. I'm not sure if the rear discs are original (92k) but will try the adjuster wheel first.

 

[maxman]

The disc was stuck fast to the hub and it took a lot of whacking to get it loose, but the shoes were still grabbing. I'm not sure if the rear discs are original (92k) but will try the adjuster wheel first.

Tap and rotate the disc,It will come off.I did mine the other week.The shoes had no wear.All i did was put a little oil on the swivel points .

 

[dhobbs]

The disc was stuck fast to the hub and it took a lot of whacking to get it loose, but the shoes were still grabbing. I'm not sure if the rear discs are original (92k) but will try the adjuster wheel first.

Tap and rotate the disc,It will come off.I did mine the other week.The shoes had no wear.All i did was put a little oil on the swivel points .

I did that but was worried I may brake something. I had the car on stands blocking my other car so didn't want to completely screw things up.
Second attempt this Friday if it's not raining.

 

[Toe-side]

This shows you what you are trying to do with the adjuster
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=600674

 

[maxman]

The disc was stuck fast to the hub and it took a lot of whacking to get it loose, but the shoes were still grabbing. I'm not sure if the rear discs are original (92k) but will try the adjuster wheel first.

Tap and rotate the disc,It will come off.I did mine the other week.The shoes had no wear.All i did was put a little oil on the swivel points .

I did that but was worried I may brake something. I had the car on stands blocking my other car so didn't want to completely screw things up.
Second attempt this Friday I'd it's not raining.

My discs were stuck to the flange,I just put a little plus gas in each of the stud holes,waited a few minutes ,slight tap and it was free.

 

[Lance]

I'm pretty sure that the adjusters are at one o clock and 11 o clock on the other side. IIRC it's one o clock on the passenger side.

But, these really shouldn't need touching for the disc to come off, disc retaining bolt out and handbrake off and it should come off with a bit of a tap.

Mine had been on for just over 37k miles (plus what the previous owner had done on them) and came off with just a gentle tap. The handbrake shoes were showing no sign of wear as you would expect on an almost non wearing part.

 

[dhobbs]

I'm pretty sure that the adjusters are at one o clock and 11 o clock on the other side. IIRC it's one o clock on the passenger side.

But, these really shouldn't need touching for the disc to come off, disc retaining bolt out and handbrake off and it should come off with a bit of a tap.

Mine had been on for just over 37k miles (plus what the previous owner had done on them) and came off with just a gentle tap. The handbrake shoes were showing no sign of wear as you would expect on an almost non wearing part.

Thanks
When I get them off I shall adjust the shoes to be just trailing the discs with the handbrake off. I'll test with 3 clicks too and hope they hold the wheel.