Friggin Brake Pads!!!

[PrimeTimeSlime]

I am changing my pads and rotors and I cant get the new pads to fit into the caliper. I have tried to suppress the piston and it is in as far as I can push it.

I dont think it is the piston getting in the way, it seems to be the caliper casting itself! Its like the pads are too thick. They are Mintex from Pelican.

Any ideas?

[Recon427]

I think for us to help you a bit better we need to know the following:

1) What rotors do you have?? [Solid, vented, thickness]
2) Mintex pads part number
3) Year of your car


I just installed new brakes on my car all around and had no difficulty in putting things together. If your pads are the specified pads your for your car then I would double check the rotors you have.

I presume you have the original calipers and no upgraded brakes.

[spidertri]

Front or rear? Rear pistons have to be rotated as you push them in, usually means using a special tool. Fronts should just push in.

[PrimeTimeSlime]

Just stock solid front rotors. 96 ti, not sure of the part number on the pads, I'll get back to you.

I think I am going to try to separate the two parts of the caliper. I just noticed this DIY
http://www.bimmerdiy.com/diy/e36brakesystem/

[1996 328ti]

Front E36 pads are E36 pads, except M3.
Doesn't matter whether they are solid or vented rotors.
I have heard this problem before. Not sure if it was Mintex.

Be sure the piston is all the way in.
I'm assuming there is no lip on the rotor.
I normally hang the outside pad on the bracket first, then pop the inside pad into the piston.

[cooljess76]

Try removing the cap on the fluid reservior, usually relieves a little pressure making the piston easier to compress. You gotta work fast though, have the rotors already mounted and ready to slip the caliper into place.

[PrimeTimeSlime]

Got it fixed.

The problem was that it was about 100 degrees yesterday and I was getting too impatient to stop and figure out a simple problem. I got up this morning and did it and it was a piece of cake!

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by PrimeTimeSlime

Got it fixed.

The problem was that it was about 100 degrees yesterday and I was getting too impatient to stop and figure out a simple problem. I got up this morning and did it and it was a piece of cake!

Funny how that works.

What was the problem?

[PrimeTimeSlime]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

Funny how that works.

What was the problem?

I didn't separate the two pieces of the caliper. I had taken the whole thing off in one piece because I was changing the rotors too. Once I disassembled the caliper everything slid right into place. The car drives a thousand times better now. No more wobbles!