Brake shoes and pads are some of the components on a BMW and other cars that need to be changed at regular intervals. Knowing when you should replace the rear brake caliper on a BMW is not the same, however. Having this knowledge is important to make sure you do not have a catastrophic breakdown on your BMW or fall into a situation that is dangerous for your family. Now, let’s discuss what you need to know on when to replace your BMW calipers.
Symptoms of a Poor Rear Brake Caliper
When to change your BMW’s rear brake caliper is one of the most important things to know on your BMW. Short of regular servicing and how important it is for a BMW owner, there are ways to recognize when your rear brake caliper is bad. We will discuss servicing in a moment, but first, here are a few reasons you can discover yourself in case it happens to your BMW.
- Vehicle Pulling During Braking: When pressing on the brake pedal, your car should come to a smooth and aligned stop, as quickly as possible, and in a safe way. If you have an issue with a brake caliper you may experience the car pulling to one side when pressing down on the brake pedal. This can be a dangerous situation if you are ready for it, but even more if it comes as a surprise during braking.
- Brake Fluid Leaks: The calipers on your BMW use hydraulics to create the braking motion. If your rear caliper is damaged or worn, you may see a fluid leak coming from the inside side of your tire and on the ground under it. Take note that the more fluid you lose in your car’s brake system, the more chances of having an accident when your car will not stop when the pedal is pressed.
- Burning Smell: As discussed a rear caliper on your BMW brake system activates the motion to stop, but it also releases the brake system when you are not in a braking motion. If your caliper is damaged, and the brake pads do not release from the braking action, you will soon smell the brake pads burning off from friction. If you smell this, stop your car and have it inspected right away by a trained BMW technician.
- Uneven Brake Pad Wear: If the rear calipers on your BMW are only partially working, you will find that the brake pads are wearing unevenly. All pads should wear the same amount. To find this, your BMW’s brake system will need to be inspected to discover the issue.
Why Servicing Matters
Knowing the signs of when your rear brake caliper on your BMW can definitely help you if any of the reasons above happen. To never find yourself in a situation where your caliper is failing when you are driving, is even more helpful to you and your family. How is this possible?
Every major car brand has created manufacturer service plans that are vital to your car’s safety and performance. BMW has spent decades collecting data and creating a service plan for each of their models. By taking part in regular servicing of your BMW, not only will you find that you may never be surprised by a bad rear brake caliper that needs replacement until it is discovered during one of your car’s servicing events. This is because your brake caliper and hundreds of other components of your car that need replacement will be found prior to causing an issue for you as an owner. Make sure that you and your family are in good hands by following a proper service plan on your BMW and you are using an expert BMW trained shop for the job.
Where to Take Your BMW
Dealerships are busy and can be expensive. For those looking for the best service and repair on their BMW, Bay Diagnostic, located in Brooklyn, New York, is your expert dealer alternative to high-prices and with higher quality service. Whether for a repair, a scheduled service, or preventative care, our highly trained technicians will keep your BMW or other quality made European car operating as designed for years to come.