Brake Servicing - Any Recommendations?
Brake Servicing - Any Recommendations?
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Discussion

CypherP

Original Poster:

4,450 posts

221 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
Morning all,

That time again when the 'check brakes' light comes on in my E46 and need to get the pads changed. Ideally wanted to get them done before the 19th breakfast meet, but after trying with various BMW dealers over the last week, every local service centre is booked up until next week.

Does anyone have any recommendations for local indies in the Frimley/Camberley area? Not too fussed about getting BMW to do it as it's only pads so not going to affect SH, but will definitely not be visiting Kwikfit/the like.

I could probably do them myself, but as I'm not totally mechanically savvy and it's a major safety element, I'd rather not risk it!

So, any SASers have any recommendations? Or is anyone willing to help in exchange for tea/biscuits/beer?

CypherP

VerySideways

10,268 posts

301 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
It's a seriously quick and easy job - if you want to bring it to Lower Earley i'll do it for tea and biscuits smile

Is it discs and pads or just pads? Front, rear, or both?

CypherP

Original Poster:

4,450 posts

221 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
Well, I'm not entirely sure. If it's just pads, then I could probably work it out, although I don't know exactly which are going. I'd need to take them all off to see and haven't had the time at the moment due to work.

The warning light has come on which I assume is just due to mileage as to when they were last done, although it had a service around 4k miles ago and am unsure whether they were done or which would have been done at the time.

I'm all for getting grubby and spending time learning these things, I just haven't had a chance to really get stuck in over the last few months. Easiest way to judge which ones need doing? Remove them and have a look I guess. I could pick up the pads for a lot less at GSF too i'd imagine.

nonuts

15,855 posts

258 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
If it's a warning light it will be the front pad wear indicator IMO. Just front pads / discs if they're too warn.

CypherP

Original Poster:

4,450 posts

221 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
nonuts said:
If it's a warning light it will be the front pad wear indicator IMO. Just front pads / discs if they're too warn.
Answers that question then, thank you for that. I was aware that there was an indicator, just wasn't sure if it was discs or pads or something different. The pads don't feel their best, so it would be worth changing them anyway, but not sure about the disc condition.

VerySideways

10,268 posts

301 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
There's a GSF about 4 miles from my house...

CypherP

Original Poster:

4,450 posts

221 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
VerySideways said:
There's a GSF about 4 miles from my house...
I can definitely get there, if you'd be happy helping/showing me how it's done? When would be best for you?

Wondering whether it's worth just buying new pads and discs anyway as I didn't realise how cheap both were until I looked at the GSF website. Would be tempted to go for better discs than the standard ones but dont want to spend a fortune.

VerySideways

10,268 posts

301 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
OEM spec discs and pads do a great job anyway. Thursday afternoon/Saturday morning?

CypherP

Original Poster:

4,450 posts

221 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
Saturday morning would be brilliant. I finish work around 5:30pm on most days, although sometimes tend to run late depending on workload so weekend would be better.

I'm considering buying new discs too just to get both done at the same time. Would this be more of an issue? I'd probably be looking at £200+ to get BMW to do it, whereas I can get front pads and discs for just over £100 from GSF or Euro Car Parts.

nonuts

15,855 posts

258 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
Pete the mechanic to the rescue again clap

I would offer to help, however I will either be hungover or on my way to newquay on Saturday.

CypherP

Original Poster:

4,450 posts

221 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
I'm really grateful for the offers of help. Just highlights one of many reasons why PH is so good. The good thing is that although I haven't had a great deal of experience in mechanics, I can usually be shown something once and be able to do it time and time again by myself.

I'm just looking at prices for discs and pads and think I may order both and get the job done completely.

VerySideways

10,268 posts

301 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
My house on Saturday morning then, around 10am? Bring discs and pads and we'll have it done in a jiffy.
PM me and i'll send you my address and mobile number.

CypherP

Original Poster:

4,450 posts

221 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
You're a star Pete. Will bring biscuits, as well as discs and pads. Will PM you shortly. Thanks smile

VerySideways

10,268 posts

301 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
Jaffa cakes, and/or chocolate hobnobs? biggrin

CypherP

Original Poster:

4,450 posts

221 months

Wednesday 15th September 2010
quotequote all
Very creepily enough, had both in mind when I wrote my last reply. Was even going to as far as asking whether Jaffa Cakes would be a good choice! Just ordered Pagid discs and pads for the front. Will worry about the rear another time as they should be fine for a while.