Change Brake Pads and Wear Sensor on 2006 BMW 525xi
A brake job can be done in your garage at a fraction of the cost of a shop.
Steps
- Obtain necessary parts (pads, rotors--whichever is being replaced) from auto parts store. Don't forget to place new sensor. Takes just one sensor for front, one for the rear.
- Jack up front or rear, CHOCK wheels, and place jack stands for safety.
- Remove wheel.
- Look at the caliper (part that sits on edge of rotor, presses the brake pads against rotor). There is an anti-rattle clip on the front which will pop out with pressure applied by a screwdriver between the wheel hub and inside edge of the clip.
- On the BACK side of the caliper there are two Torx bolts under black plastic caps about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} round. Pop the caps out and you will be able to back out the bolts with a T-45 bit.
- The brake pads may need to be pushed out from the rotor slightly to make removing the caliper easier (especially if there is a noticeable lip formed on the outermost circumference of your rotor). Do this by inserting a sturdy flathead screwdriver or a small pry bar in between the pads and rotor and levering them away in either direction. This moves the calipers piston, which is the component which physically pushes the pad into the rotor, slightly into the caliper.
- The caliper can now slide off of the rotor. Hang the caliper with a wire from the springs, so it's not hanging by the brake line to prevent a brake fluid leak. Let's just say you don't want that.
- Use a G clamp or brake piston pushing tool to force the piston as far back as it will go, using the old pad to push against. If you don't do this you won't be able to reinstall the caliper with the new pads in.
- Take the old pads out and replace with the new ones. The brake pad wear sensor attaches to the inner pad on the passenger side (pay attention to how it is installed and clip the new one back in the same way). Attach the other end of the sensor to the harness which is in a protective box on the upper part of the wheel well.
- Replace the calipers and tighten the Torx bolts back down.
- This is a good time to check and possibly rotate the tires. Check tyre wear but avoid rotating them if they have a larger track width at the back. Sizes are printed on the tyre sidewall eg- 255/45 R18. the first number (255) is the tread width. if your tyres are wearing unevenly, i.e wearing one side more than another, then get a wheel alignment from a quality wheel repair shop.
- Reset Service Interval Reminder (see How to Reset Service Interval Reminder for 2006 BMW 525xi).
Warnings
- Don't attempt this without the proper tools and knowledge. Your brakes are your life!
