34 11 000 Removing And Installing/Replacing Brake Pads On Both Disc Brakes (4 Pistons Brembo)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5, 2012 BMW X5, and 2011 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

IMPORTANT:

Brake pad wear sensor: after removal it must be replaced (brake pad wear sensor loses its retention capability in the break pad).
Retaining pins and expanding spring: for vehicles older than 48 months it is recommended to replace the retaining spring!

So as not to damage the surface coating, if possible do not mechanically clean the guide surfaces for the brake pads on the brake caliper mounting bracket. Instead, clean with brake cleaner BMW part no. 83 19 2 154 780 and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste BMW part no. 83 19 2 158 851 (3 g) or 83 19 2 158 852 (100 g).
Spread brake pad paste onto the marked surfaces using a brush!
Observe REGULATION ON APPLYING BRAKE PAD PASTE TO BRAKE PADS AND BRAKE ANCHOR PLATES !

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT WHEELS .
Remove BRAKE PAD WEAR SENSOR .

IMPORTANT: If the brake pads are old, they may be bonded to the brake pistons by an adhesive layer.
After the brake pads are detached from the brake pistons, they must be replaced with pads that are no longer bonded.
The must not be reused!
Brake pads that are not bonded can be reinstalled.

Drive out retaining pins (1) in direction of arrow.

Remove retaining spring (2).

Installation note:

Drive in retaining pins (1) up to limit position.

Fig 1: Retaining Pins And Spring

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Release screws (1) and remove brake caliper rearwards (2).

IMPORTANT: Tie brake caliper back and do not allow to hang from brake hose.

Installation note:

Replace screws (1).

Tightening torque 34 11 2AZ .

Fig 2: Removing Brake Caliper

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Press back brake pads and piston with special tool 34 1 050 .

IMPORTANT: When forcing piston back:

Pay attention to brake fluid level in expansion tank; brake fluid that spills over will damage paintwork.

Fig 3: Pressing Back Brake Pads And Piston
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Old brake pads may still be bonded to the brake pistons by an adhesive layer.

Pry brake pad (1) off brake pistons with a screwdriver in direction of arrow.

IMPORTANT: Place screwdriver (1) between the two brake pistons.
Do not damage surface coating!
Bonded brake pads must not be rebuilt!
Brake pads that were not bonded can be rebuilt!

Fig 4: Removing Brake Pad

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Check minimum brake disc thickness:

Position special tool 34 1 280 at three measuring points in area (1) and measure.
Compare measuring result and lowest value with SETPOINT VALUE .

Fig 5: Checking Brake Disc Thickness
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IMPORTANT: New brake pads may only be fitted if the brake disc thickness is greater than the MINIMUM BRAKE DISC THICKNESS (MIN TH).

Clean contact surface (1) of brake piston with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

So as not to damage the surface coating, if possible do not mechanically clean the guide surfaces (2) for the brake pads on the brake caliper mounting bracket. Clean guide surface (2) with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

Clean both inner and outer guide surfaces (2) and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

Fig 6: Identifying Guide Surfaces For Brake Pads On Brake Caliper Mounting Bracket

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Lightly coat both sides of the contact surface in area (1 and 2) with brake pad paste.

Fig 7: Identifying Contact Surface Area For Brake Pad Paste

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Lightly coat the brake pad contact surface on both sides in area (1) with brake pad paste.

Fig 8: Brake Pad Contact Surface

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NOTE: After completing repair work:

Fully depress brake pedal several times so that brake pads contact brake discs.
When installing new brake pads at front and rear axles, brake fluid level must be brought up to "MAX" mark.
Read and comply with notes on BREAKING IN NEW BRAKE DISCS/BRAKE PADS .
When replacing pads, reset CBS display in accordance with factory specification.