Performance Rotor Install

[bfi2906]

I'm going to install new front rotors over the break. i have read and printed our the DIY, but are there any other tips or tricks I need to be aware of?

Do I need to be careful that the pistons in the callipers don't move while I'm pulling the old rotors off and putting the new one on? That would be a pain.

[BMWRX]

You will need to push the pistons back to some degree when you put the calipers back over the new rotor. Make sure you cover the pads with a cloth to ensure you don't scratch them (assuming you're using a pair of pliers, etc).

Also, open the bleed nipple on the calipers before pushing the pistons back, as there is generally a seal in the line that you don't want to turn inside out (which will lead to fluid leakage and pressure loss). I'm unsure if this seal is specifically on BMW's but it has been on the the couple of cars I've replaced rotors on over the years.

And finally, when you take the calipers off, ensure that you have them securely hanging and they don't fall with the weight of the calipers on the brake line. Calipers are heavy and can break the line or damage the line connections.

[bfi2906]

Good tips. Thankyou.

[andrew@southernBM]

You will not need to push the caliper pistons back very far if the car has done low kilometeres. It is a pretty simple process to do this.

[TimMc]

Originally Posted by andrew@southernBM

You will not need to push the caliper pistons back very far if the car has done low kilometeres. It is a pretty simple process to do this.

Welcome back Andrew! We missed your expertise.

[bfi2906]

Originally Posted by andrew@southernBM

You will not need to push the caliper pistons back very far if the car has done low kilometeres. It is a pretty simple process to do this.

Welcome back Andrew - and thanks for your help and advice (and great price on the rotors)

Job Done! Easier than I thought. Took 20yo son and I about 4 hrs on Boxing Day. 3 to work out how to get the car off the ground without crushing the lift points, and about an hour to do both front rotors.

Car has about 11,000 kms, but didn't need to push caliper pistons back in - just had to make sure that the pads were as wide as possible and wiggle the caliper a bit to slide over the new rotors. I guess I'm not to hard on brakes - must try harder!!!

As stated by others, I can't really notice any real difference in how the brakes perform. But then, I never had a problem with fade anyway.

But they do look awesome.

[BMWRX]

Take it to the track - you'll notice a difference there.

Any photos?

[bfi2906]

Originally Posted by BMWRX

Take it to the track - you'll notice a difference there.

Any photos?

Photos coming - but only from an iPhone, so not sure how quality will be.

[bfi2906]

Here are some pics. I hope the quality's OK - they're from an iPhone.

The rotors look filthy - that's because they were taken before it was driven, and the surface is very rough (shows dirt) until you use them a little.

[CT135]

yeah ... they do look nice ....

[TimMc]

Looks like my twin now.
I no racer but do a few track days and brake late & hard. I can't get any appreciable fade out of mine with the performance rotors and standard pads, even at Qld Raceway which is pretty hard on brakes. I didn't track mine before I put the rotors on to compare though.

[andrew@southernBM]

Nice one, mine look all tired now too