Rear Brake Caliper — Removal, Repair and Installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Note: Before starting work, read the note at the beginning of paragraph 3 about the dangers of brake fluid, and the warning at the beginning of paragraph 4 about the dangers of asbestos dust.

Removal

1. Place chocks under the front wheels. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it (see "Raising and Supporting the Vehicle"). Remove the appropriate rear wheel.

2. To minimize fluid leaks, remove the master cylinder reservoir cap, place a piece of plastic wrap underneath it, and re-wrap it to create an airtight seal. Alternatively, clamp the brake hose with a special clamp or clamp.

3. Clean the surface in the connection area. Then loosen the brake hose nut on the caliper.

4. Remove the brake pads (see paragraph 5).

5. Unscrew the caliper from the hose and remove it from the vehicle.

Repair

6. See paragraph 8. Note that the piston boot is held in place by a retaining ring.

Installation

7. Screw the caliper onto the brake hose.

8. Install the brake pads (see paragraph 5).

9. Tighten the brake hose mounting nut securely.

10. Remove the brake hose clamp or remove the plastic film from under the master cylinder reservoir cap. Bleed the brake system (see paragraph 2). Please note that if you have taken precautions to prevent air from entering the brake system, it is sufficient to bleed only the corresponding rear wheel brake cylinder.

11. Install the wheel, lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the wheel mounting bolts to the specified torque. When finished, check the brake fluid level in the reservoir and top it up to the required level (see "Weekly Checks").

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