E46 Sticky Calipers

[JaFool1]

Having replaced one of the front calipers 2 years ago because it was sticking I now have 2 more playing up.

One of the fronts was flagged up on a recent MOT. My mechanic gave it a clean up and managed to free it up enough to pass the MOT but it is now sticking again. The rear on the same side is now sticking but not as much.

What is the best way forward with these? Just suck it up a replace the calipers? Or are these refurb kits any good?

[ro250]

I had this too. The garage stripped it and it worked for only a short period so ended up replacing it in the end. I wish I'd just replaced it straight away.

[mmm-five]

If you don't want to put new ones on, then you could send them to somewhere like BiggRed to refurb them (and get them painted a new colour)?

http://www.biggred.co.uk

[ro250]

I'd also add that mine was only a 320i and got it done at a local garage for not much money at all. If you have an M3 might be a different story!

[sjj84]

mmm-five said:

If you don't want to put new ones on, then you could send them to somewhere like BiggRed to refurb them (and get them painted a new colour)?

http://www.biggred.co.uk

Had a pair done here, didn't fancy a set of unknown calipers or the expense of new ones from BMW. Came back within a week as good as new.

[JaFool1]

Has anyone had to do hoses as well? I read on another forum that these can also cause issues but this doesn't make too much sense to me

[8Tech]

With the at of an E46 now it would be wise to install stainless bridesmaid boxes anyway. The rubber original idea crack and person with age and expand under pressure going a spongy feel.
Calipers can easily e refurbished by a specilist, but fitting exchange Calipers from a mood factor is the same anyway but without getting wait.

[Dave.]

8Tech said:

.....stainless bridesmaid boxes....

ETA - I get “sticky calipers” on the MX5 quite often due to lack of use and trackdays melting the grease and/or rubber seals.

Sometimes it’s the slide pins causing it, other times it’s the piston seal, this week it was the pads stuck in the guides.

Edited by Dave. on Sunday 4th April 16:50

[Touring442]

No need for braided hoses. New standard ones are a tenner each and worth replacing as they can start to heal up inside and act as a one way valve. ECP and GSF etc do exchange recon calipers that are fine. Fitting new pads so that the pistons are near enough fully retracted helps a lot as does a shot of WD40 behind the piston dust boots and a bit of exercise.