Removal and installation disc brake pads (BMW 3 Series E21)

Removal

Raise the front of the vehicle, place it on stands and remove the wheels.

On vehicles with Girling front brakes, remove the retaining pins.

Knock out the brake shoe retaining pins.



Remove the brake pads. Before removing, mark the pads so that they can be reinstalled in their original positions, and disconnect the brake pad wear sensor.

On vehicles with Girling front brakes, mark the relative positions of the pressure plates.

Clean the window in the caliper with a brush.

Installation

Carefully, so as not to damage the dust caps and to prevent the brake fluid from splashing out of the hydraulic fluid reservoir, move the pistons into the cylinders using pliers 34 1 050.



Make sure the pistons are tilted at 20°.





On vehicles with ATE brand front brakes, the piston angle is checked using a 34 1 060 template. On vehicles with Girling brand front brakes, for correct piston installation, the pressure plate must fit into the milled flange on the piston.

If necessary, adjust the piston angle to the correct value.

Install the brake pads, and on cars with Girling front brakes, it is necessary to monitor the position of the pressure plates.



Install the retaining springs and the shoe locking pins into place at the same time.

On vehicles with Girling front brakes, fit new retaining pins.