Removal and installation parking brake shoes (BMW 3 Series E46)

Parking brake lever

Parking brake shoes

Removal

1. Remove the rear brake disc.



2. Use pliers to disconnect the front return spring; replace the spring with traces of corrosion or a weakened spring.





3. Slightly compress the spring with a 5 mm socket wrench, turn it at an angle of 90° (1/4 turn) and remove the pressure spring from the brake shoe.

4. Remove the spring from the other brake shoe in the same manner.



5. Disconnect both brake shoes at the top and remove them downwards.



6. Check the ease of movement of the lock, remove it if necessary. To do this, pull element "1" back, press out pin "2" and remove element "3" from the cable.

Installation

Be sure to replace the brake pads on both sides.

1. Lightly lubricate the sliding surfaces and the lock pin with grease "Molykote-Paste-G".



2. Connect the lock with pin "2" at the top with the brake drive cable.



3. Check the movement of the brake shoe adjustment mechanism "1", lightly lubricate the thread with "Molykote" grease. Unscrew the threaded element back.

4. Install the brake shoe adjuster mechanism at the bottom between the brake shoes. Connect the return spring "2" (smaller diameter spring) with brake pads. 3 – upper return spring.



5. Insert the brake pads into place. The brake pads should fit into the grooves at the top (arrows in the illustration) castle.





6. Press the two compression springs with a 5 mm socket wrench and simultaneously turn them through an angle of 90°. In the closed position, the marking on the screw head is as shown in the illustration.

7. Using brake spring pliers, connect the upper return spring.



8. Brake pads (arrows in the illustration) must fit snugly against the brake caliper support.

9. Install the brake disc and rear wheel.

10. Adjust the parking brake, refer to Section Adjusting the parking brake.

If the parking brake pads have been replaced, they must be run in on a road with light traffic as follows. While driving at 40 km/h, carefully apply the parking brake until light braking is felt. While maintaining the speed, tighten the brake by one tooth and drive like this for about 400 m. Release the brake and let it cool. It is recommended to repeat this process once every three months, regardless of whether the brake has been replaced, as this removes any rust that may have formed on the friction surface and wear products.

This article is based on information from the website «BMWMan.ru»