To remove and install the rear brake pads, first raise and support the vehicle, then remove the rear wheels. If applicable, disconnect the brake pad wear sensor from the harness. Carefully pry the pad retainer spring out from the hub side and remove it, followed by the plastic plugs from the caliper slide bolts, which should then be removed along with the caliper and pads. For installation, clean the brake caliper and all sliding surfaces, pressing the caliper piston fully back into the housing while checking for leaking fluid, damaged dust boots, and frozen pistons. If necessary, install a new brake pad wear sensor in the pad if the old sensor's plastic part is worn through, ensuring new sensors are only needed if the wire inside is exposed. Install the brake pads in the caliper and lower the caliper over the mount. For E30 models, install a new bolt and torque it to 25 ft. lbs. (35 Nm), ensuring the pad springs are correctly seated. For E36 models, lubricate the slider bolts with approved brake grease, install them, and torque to 18-22 ft. lbs. (25-30 Nm), followed by the installation of protective caps and the retainer spring. If applicable, connect the brake wear sensor wire to the harness, ensuring a good connection and that the wire is secured by the loop in the dust cover. Finally, install the wheels, hand tighten the lug bolts, lower the vehicle until the tires contact the surface, and torque the lug bolts in a crisscross pattern to 66-81 ft. lbs. (90-110 Nm), as improper torqueing could lead to brake pulsation and rotor warpage. Inspection of the rear brake pads follows similar procedures to those for the front brake pads.
Posted by BMWPartsDeal Specialist