I'm technically Inferior

zach · 07-20-2005, 10:33 AM

Fernando and I replaced the rear brake assemblies (pads, rotors, and calipers) on my 1998 M3 a few months ago. Everything was dandy for a while. Recently, however, braking on the highway results in SERIOUS steering wheel movement (quick back and forth) and general car vibration. I hate it.

Any idea what's up?

Thanks in advance.

ops:

FC · 07-20-2005, 11:12 AM

Not cool.

Did you carry out a good visual inspection at all four corners? I can't imagine a caliper being loose. We tightened it pretty well. Granted we did not apply loktite, but still.

JST · 07-20-2005, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zcasavant

Fernando and I replaced the rear brake assemblies (pads, rotors, and calipers) on my 1998 M3 a few months ago. Everything was dandy for a while. Recently, however, braking on the highway results in SERIOUS steering wheel movement (quick back and forth) and general car vibration. I hate it.

Any idea what's up?

Thanks in advance.

ops:

It sounds like it may be significant pad deposits on one of the rotors.

Did you bed the pads after installing them? Do a series of high-effort stops from gradually increasing speeds? Most pads come with a sheet explaining how to bed them; otherwise, you can find FAQs on the 'net.

zach · 07-20-2005, 11:27 AM

Fernando and I did bed the pads. I guess maybe I didn't do it enough...

I seriously hope nothing's loose.

In related news, I noticed this morning that after two hours on the highway, one rear wheel is hotter than the other....let's hope that one of the "new" calipers isn't fuxored. But, that's in the rear and shouldn't make the wheel dance.

I guess I should check the fronts.

bren · 07-20-2005, 11:28 AM

You replaced the rear not the front? I can see the rears causing vibration but not yanking the steering...unless you are just using the steering movements to catch the rear of the car. Might be time to check on those front brakes

zach · 07-20-2005, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bren

You replaced the rear not the front? I can see the rears causing vibration but not yanking the steering...unless you are just using the steering movements to catch the rear of the car. Might be time to check on those front brakes

The front rotors and pads and one of the calipers are relatively new.

This vibration only really happens at high speeds.

Nick M3 · 07-20-2005, 11:35 AM

You've also got that that one bad control arm...

rumatt · 07-20-2005, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick M3

You've also got that that one bad control arm...

Uh, that would do it. no?

zach · 03-29-2007, 01:32 PM

Update: The driver side rear caliper locked up again!!!!!

FC · 03-29-2007, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zcasavant

Update: The driver side rear caliper locked up again!!!!!

That sucks. It may be time for a rebuild.

07-20-2005, 10:33 AM	#1
zach swinging for the fences Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: 987, X7 M60i, e36 M3 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 5,037	I'm technically Inferior Fernando and I replaced the rear brake assemblies (pads, rotors, and calipers) on my 1998 M3 a few months ago. Everything was dandy for a while. Recently, however, braking on the highway results in SERIOUS steering wheel movement (quick back and forth) and general car vibration. I hate it. Any idea what's up? Thanks in advance. ops:

07-20-2005, 11:12 AM	#2
FC Solving problems Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4 Location: Metro Boston Posts: 25,264	Re: I'm technically Inferior Not cool. Did you carry out a good visual inspection at all four corners? I can't imagine a caliper being loose. We tightened it pretty well. Granted we did not apply loktite, but still.

07-20-2005, 11:35 AM	#7
Nick M3 Relic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Bethesda, MD Posts: 12,458	You've also got that that one bad control arm... __________________ 2011 M3 2006 Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison 2004 X5 3.0i 6MT 1995 M3 S50B32 1990 325is 1989 M3 S54B32 Hers: 1989 325iX 1996 911 Turbo

07-20-2005, 11:27 AM	#4
zach swinging for the fences Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: 987, X7 M60i, e36 M3 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 5,037	Fernando and I did bed the pads. I guess maybe I didn't do it enough... I seriously hope nothing's loose. In related news, I noticed this morning that after two hours on the highway, one rear wheel is hotter than the other....let's hope that one of the "new" calipers isn't fuxored. But, that's in the rear and shouldn't make the wheel dance. I guess I should check the fronts.

07-20-2005, 11:28 AM	#5
bren lawn boy Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: e46m3, f25x3,C5 Z06, C4 Vette, 06 CTD Ram, and a trailer Location: Maryland Posts: 14,029	You replaced the rear not the front? I can see the rears causing vibration but not yanking the steering...unless you are just using the steering movements to catch the rear of the car. Might be time to check on those front brakes

03-29-2007, 01:32 PM	#9
zach swinging for the fences Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: 987, X7 M60i, e36 M3 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 5,037	Update: The driver side rear caliper locked up again!!!!!