BMW Z3 service brakes consist of hydraulic brake calipers, one at each wheel. When the brake pedal is pressed, brake fluid is forced out of the brake master cylinder and through the brake lines to each brake caliper. Pistons in the calipers push out and clamp brake pads against the brake rotors (or discs), thus slowing down the vehicle. As it ages, the brake caliper can leak fluid from the piston seal. The caliper brake fluid supply hose may also become corroded or restricted, resulting in poor brake performance.

If a brake caliper is not performing at 100%, you may notice a slight pull to one side when braking. You can service each brake caliper individually or both at the same time. Corrosion from road salt and grime may affect moving parts of the caliper other than the hydraulic piston. Sometimes you can clean the sliding mechanical parts of the caliper, including the 7 mm Allen sliding bolts (see replacement procedure below), and this results in the caliper operating smoothly again. But if this does not work, I recommend replacing the calipers in pairs to maintain an even brake feel. If one caliper is failing, the other will not be far behind.

Keep in mind that when your car was serviced before, parts may have been replaced with different size fasteners used in the replacement. The sizes of the nuts and bolts we give may be different from what you have, so be prepared with different size sockets and wrenches.

Protect your eyes, hands and body from fluids, dust and debris while working on your vehicle. If you're working with the electrical system, disconnect the battery before beginning. Always catch fluids in appropriate containers and properly dispose of any fluid waste. Recycle parts, packaging and fluids when possible. Never work on your vehicle if you feel the task is beyond your ability.

Our vehicle may vary slightly from yours as models do change and evolve, as they grow older. If something seems different, let us know and share your info to help other users. Do you have questions or want to add to the article? Leave a comment below. When leaving a comment, please leave your vehicle information.

Lift and support axle of vehicle you are replacing brake pads on. See our tech article on jacking up your vehicle.

Remove wheels on axle you are replacing brake caliper on.

There are two ways to reduce the amount of brake fluid loss when replacing your brake caliper. One way is to clamp the hose with a hose clamp tool to prevent fluid from leaking. This method could lead to a damaged hose if done incorrectly. I prefer to use the second method, depress brake pedal half way and hold in place with stick or brake pedal depressing tool. This will keep fluid in the master cylinder from leaking.

Read the Full Article:
https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/BMW-Z3/07-BRAKES-Brake_Caliper_And_Hose_Replacing/07-BRAKES-Brake_Caliper_And_Hose_Replacing.htm

Project Time: 3 hours
Tab: $200
Tools: Socket set
Parts Required: Brake caliper, brake fluid, brake hoses
Performance Gain: Great brake feel
Complementary Modification: Replace brake pads and hoses at same time

Hochgeladen am 11.04.2022   Problem melden   Dieses Video bei YouTube   Pelican Parts bei Youtube