E90 need help

[simz411]

I m kindly asking for your help. I have a BMW 320i E90 and the front left side is making a funny noise. I took it to one mechanic n he said it needs new brake pads but the light hasn't come on showing that it needs new pads. It only makes that sound when driving at low speeds. Please help

 

[Ralf*]

Depending on how old and how many kilometres the car has, it is highly likely that the front brake disks have developed a "ridge".

This ridge now actually prevents the brake pads from wearing down to the wear-limit, resulting in metal on metal from the disk ridge and the metal backing plate of the pads.

this is dangerous in that there could be catastrophic failure of the brake disk

but

it could also be as simple as the brake "anti-vibration" clip that has come off and now the brakes rattle/scrape sound especially at slow speeds

I have experienced both scenario's on my car, applying brakes at almost walking speed I heard metal on metal grinding sounds, but no warning light.

took the wheels off and inspected and discovered that the outer edge of the backing plate of the pads was actually running on the ridge of the disk.
Skimmed the disks, replaced the pads.....almost perfect
when I drove away I heard strange clattering/cluncking sounds, when braking especially at slow speeds, so turned back to my shop, off with the wheels, only to discover that my staff had forgotten to replace the "anti-vibration" clip.....a little "uit-kak" later and all was good.

if you are in Gauteng, possibly East Rand, bring it into my shop and let us look at it.

your options, dependant on the findings
1)Skim the disks...R300 per set
2)replace the entire disk
3)replace brake pads
4)possibly source a new "anti-vibration" clip

 

[simz411]

Depending on how old and how many kilometres the car has, it is highly likely that the front brake disks have developed a "ridge".

This ridge now actually prevents the brake pads from wearing down to the wear-limit, resulting in metal on metal from the disk ridge and the metal backing plate of the pads.

this is dangerous in that there could be catastrophic failure of the brake disk

but

it could also be as simple as the brake "anti-vibration" clip that has come off and now the brakes rattle/scrape sound especially at slow speeds

I have experienced both scenario's on my car, applying brakes at almost walking speed I heard metal on metal grinding sounds, but no warning light.

took the wheels off and inspected and discovered that the outer edge of the backing plate of the pads was actually running on the ridge of the disk.
Skimmed the disks, replaced the pads.....almost perfect
when I drove away I heard strange clattering/cluncking sounds, when braking especially at slow speeds, so turned back to my shop, off with the wheels, only to discover that my staff had forgotten to replace the "anti-vibration" clip.....a little "uit-kak" later and all was good.

if you are in Gauteng, possibly East Rand, bring it into my shop and let us look at it.

your options, dependant on the findings
1)Skim the disks...R300 per set
2)replace the entire disk
3)replace brake pads
4)possibly source a new "anti-vibration" clip

---

ralf thank you for your reply. How much will you charge me for option 2 3 and 4

 

[Ralf*]

ralf thank you for your reply. How much will you charge me for option 2 3 and 4

that question is difficult to answer as the options are varied

1) Depending on what we see when we take the wheel off
2) Depending on whether you prefer to source your own spares and we do the labor only
3) If we source the spares ourselves, then dependent on which preferred brand you want and if we can get that brand at the local spares shops
4) or if you are not "brand-aware" then the price will be variable dependent on what the local spares shops (Midas/Litts/Kotwals/Golwagen etc) can supply us with.
5) I will need to ask my salesman on Monday what the cost would be, if you either bring your own spares, or if you just "leave it" in our hands.

 

[boxerulez]

Someone in my shop was assigned the duty of fitting my shock absorbers and they managed to bent the plate/coolair guide on the back of the hub. It was rubbing the disc and only annoying at low speeds. But a rock flying up from under your tyre hitting this plate could also do it. Just check clearances. Its obviously something rubbing.

Edit.

Amd yes ralf is correct could be the ridge on the disc too. But jist check the plate behind your disc first. Itll save you some cash.