Hi, just bought a 2001 Z3, 2.2i sport. Really pleased with it but rear n/s brake caliper is binding

[Jules Morris]

Would like to remove and clean caliper before considering replacement. Any tips please?
Jules

 

[Stevo7682]

Place a bar between the seat to brake pedal and apply slight pressure.
After initial pressure loss when cracking open the system it will stop continuously losing fluid while you have caliper off.

 

[Jules Morris]

Place a bar between the seat to brake pedal and apply slight pressure.
After initial pressure loss when cracking open the system it will stop continuously losing fluid while you have caliper off.

Thanks very much!

 

[t-tony]

Look for splits in the piston's outer dust seal. If it is split look for rusty pits on the steel piston itself. If it is pitted you will need to replace the piston and seals. You can get callipers, but, for some reason rear ones are stupidly expensive compared to front ones.

By the way Jules welcome to the forum from me near Lincoln. Where are you located please?

Tony.

 

[Slam]

Hi and welcome from London

 

[Mazza]

Hi and welcome to the forum from Bognor Regis

As Steve said, apply some pressure to the brake pedal and it stops the fluid draining out.
Broom stick and a bit of MDF with a hole !!!!

 

[Shelly]

 

[Jules Morris]

Thanks very much!

 

[Jules Morris]

Hi and welcome to the forum from Bognor Regis

As Steve said, apply some pressure to the brake pedal and it stops the fluid draining out.
Broom stick and a bit of MDF with a hole !!!!
View attachment 152387

Great! Thanks for the picture. Hopefully get it done in time for trip to Devon next weekend!

 

[Nodzed]

Buy a seal/piston kit for the caliper, its cheap and easy to swap out Always the best option with a sticky caliper IMHO

 

[Jules Morris]

Buy a seal/piston kit for the caliper, its cheap and easy to swap out Always the best option with a sticky caliper IMHO

weighing up options as we speak

 

[mrscalex]

Look for splits in the piston's outer dust seal. If it is split look for rusty pits on the steel piston itself. If it is pitted you will need to replace the piston and seals. You can get callipers, but, for some reason rear ones are stupidly expensive compared to front ones.

By the way Jules welcome to the forum from me near Lincoln. Where are you located please?

Tony.

Rears are unique to Z3. Fronts fit other BMWs. It’s just supply and demand.

My experience is messing around cleaning the slider assembly is usually a waste of time. Caliper refurb is the way to go and easy enough to do yourself. Don’t neglect the carrier though. This can clog up with scale and affect movement.

 

[Synclare]

Bigg Red, Worcestershire, google them, good place for piston/seals or can refurb for you in variety of finishes.

 

[Jules Morris]

Bigg Red, Worcestershire, google them, good place for piston/seals or can refurb for you in variety of finishes.

Thank you very much!

 

[Synclare]

Calipers are known for seizing, don't waste your time cleaning and messing about or the issue will re-occur, usually at a bad moment! Rears are cheaper to reseal and fit new piston yourself as they are silly money new. Not sure what Bigg Red charge for a re-con unit.

 

[Jules Morris]

Calipers are known for seizing, don't waste your time cleaning and messing about or the issue will re-occur, usually at a bad moment! Rears are cheaper to reseal and fit new piston yourself as they are silly money new. Not sure what Bigg Red charge for a re-con unit.

agree. Bigg Red charge £125 for a pair of rear calipers by sending yours in. That is good value as Euro Car Parts are £122 each including surcharge rebate

 

[Synclare]

As long as the seal groove isn't rust pitted I'd do them yourself with a kit from Bigg Red. Cheaper. Fronts can be had new off ebay for around £40 - watch the quality though! Don't know if you are on solid or vented discs front.

 

[Jules Morris]

As long as the seal groove isn't rust pitted I'd do them yourself with a kit from Bigg Red. Cheaper. Fronts can be had new off ebay for around £40 - watch the quality though! Don't know if you are on solid or vented discs front.

Just rears required. Sending both to Bigg Red

 

[Mint]

Hi @Jules Morris, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire.