BMWLand: Where Power Meets Control - UK BMW

C-J

1999v 328ci

I was casually driving down a country lane doing 30- when I came to realise I could feel/hear a rubbery flat tyre sound from rear road wheels...

I checked tyres and all were fine?
I thought my nearside / passenger brake could be stuck on, to make the ride juddery?

That particular wheel was red hot! Could smell heat/burning :-S

I've had genuine rear discs, pads, handbrake shoes a while ago. So doubt it is them?

I'm lost now whilst I think so much what it could be??

Many thanks

Guest · Posted: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:15:51 UTC Post subject:

sticking caliper....common fault..

OHP · Posted: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:18:49 UTC Post subject:

could be your handbrake shoes on that side "dropping"

had that on mine the wheel got so hot it dried the bearing out

C-J · Posted: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:37:20 UTC Post subject:

Yes felt a bit juddery and squeeky when pulling away slowly on the side if red hot wheel.

I put handbrake on when pulling up to junction, hoping to clear the problem.

I wondered about wheel bearing? Bearing in mind I assumed rear brakes & handbrake been replaced?

Thanks guys

shane165 · Posted: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:55:57 UTC Post subject:

I would go with the sticking caliper.

If your bearing was that bad your wheel would be almost hanging off!

Just because the pads and discs were changed doesn't mean the caliper won't stick.

OHP · Posted: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:01:51 UTC Post subject:

shane165 · Posted: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:05:38 UTC Post subject:

C-J · Posted: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:14:38 UTC Post subject:

Yes I meant I agree but wondered about bearing. Fingers crossed been on short drive and appears ok. Guess it must have been sticking caliper - so I'll await and see how things go tomorrow!

I've heard before if it's wheel beating you can rock the wheel towards you to feel for play? Both my rears kind of slightly knock but doesn't appear 'hanging off' as mentioned above!!

So confirmed must be brake related to make wheel very hot then, thanks

DiscoDaz · Posted: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:16:45 UTC Post subject:

C-J · Posted: Sat, 28 Mar 2009 00:09:51 UTC Post subject:

have spent a lot on my 9yr old 328ci, this may be the last straw before I get something newer!!

Can't you just remove caliper and unseize piston? Annoying when you need spend £250ish for the rear brakes on just one side...that does very little braking!

shane165 · Posted: Sat, 28 Mar 2009 09:12:31 UTC Post subject:

I've never done this on my BMW but I have done it on other cars so I'm sure you could free it up.

Failing that I would be visiting a breakers yard. There is no way I would use new parts if I can get them second hand. Especially on a nine year old car.

Check Ebay as well.

poppy sammy · Posted: Sat, 28 Mar 2009 12:13:15 UTC Post subject:

paspatout · Posted: Sat, 28 Mar 2009 14:43:28 UTC Post subject:

I've just recently experienced the same as you on my nearside front. I could barely turn the wheel with the car jacked up. On closer checking, the rubber boot on the caliper piston had dislodged. Initially I bought the replacement boots from BMW for £17, but then changed my mind and took it back for a refund and bought a new caliper from GSF for £71. I didn't want to take the risk that having stripped the thing down, it would be heavily pitted from corrosion. It only took me an hour to fit the new one and so for that reason and for peace of mind, the extra 54 quid was worth it.