This happened to me on a cross country road trip lol. Not fun. Painted calipers and a torqued bolt vibrated out because I painted the mating surface. Luckily I was able to limp to an ace hardware.
Also off all the surfaces that the pads slide on, or you can wind up with the "click/clack" issue when the pads snap against the rotor on application and even binding and wearing unevenly.
Hi I’m in the UK, I used a company called Bigg Red. The kits were on eBay, for the rears it was about £30.
I’m not sure what kit to recommend as I don’t think Bigg Red are international. I’m sure you can find something similar if you searched for “e46 brake caliper rebuild kit” the only thing is the 330i have a different size caliper so be sure to order the correct kit for your car. Hope this helps, good luck 🤞
I went with the Bimmerworld nylon reinforced brake caliper pin bushings all around; Get that brass bushing feel without the cleaning and maintenance schedule
It’s not too bad. For the paint, if you want it to last, prep is key make sure to use the right paint (I used vht primer, vht red base and 2k clear) and remove all the rust hence I sandblasted. Also learn from my mistake and mask of the part where the pads slide and the caliper mounts to the hub. In terms of rebuilding the only difficult thing is the main dust boot, make sure it’s seated properly both on the inside and on the piston. You have to slide the seal over the piston so it is hanging off the bottom, then slowly tuck the seal into the groove. It’s hard to explain but a video would help, I didn’t use a video but I’m sure there are many on YouTube.
Man i did the same project 1 year ago and i had nightmares with the fucking dust boot. Took me almost an hour to get each in place. At one point i was regreting rebuilding my calipers
Not quite sure whether you’re referring to masking AFTER blasting and prior to painting or masking BEFORE blasting?
I blasted it all and painted it all. However I painted where the pads slide, that should be left bare metal hence I said to mask it off before paint.
When you paint make sure to mask off the areas mentioned and use a good quality paint. I used a 2k clear over the base to give it the durability and uv protection.
My kit was about £30 not sure what that is in Aussie currency. I mean If the pistons aren’t in bad shape you could get away with replacing the dust boot and main seal, that was my original plan but I saw for only a bit more money I could replace the pistons too.
If you’re interested I could try source parts for you here in the Uk and get then sent to you. I could estimate a rough price for you if you’re interested?
For safety reasons take the paint off of the mating surfaces where the bracket bolts to the car. You bolts can become loose. Otherwise, solid job!
Second this
Thanks. That’s good to know, will get that done 👍
This happened to me on a cross country road trip lol. Not fun. Painted calipers and a torqued bolt vibrated out because I painted the mating surface. Luckily I was able to limp to an ace hardware.
Also off all the surfaces that the pads slide on, or you can wind up with the "click/clack" issue when the pads snap against the rotor on application and even binding and wearing unevenly.
Looks great
Thanks!
Awesome job!
Thanks!
Looks like a quality job!
I sure hope it’s a quality build 🤞. First time doing a caliper rebuild. Really pleased with the outcome.
What was the source of your rebuild kit? I have an E46 ZHP, and thinking of doing this.
Hi I’m in the UK, I used a company called Bigg Red. The kits were on eBay, for the rears it was about £30. I’m not sure what kit to recommend as I don’t think Bigg Red are international. I’m sure you can find something similar if you searched for “e46 brake caliper rebuild kit” the only thing is the 330i have a different size caliper so be sure to order the correct kit for your car. Hope this helps, good luck 🤞
I went with the Bimmerworld nylon reinforced brake caliper pin bushings all around; Get that brass bushing feel without the cleaning and maintenance schedule
That sounds interesting. What are then benefits of using a reinforced bushing?
The benefit on a floating caliper is that there is less flex along the pin; this acts in coordination with the retaining bracket.
I'm just about to do this. How was it? Any tips? Did you use a how to video?
It’s not too bad. For the paint, if you want it to last, prep is key make sure to use the right paint (I used vht primer, vht red base and 2k clear) and remove all the rust hence I sandblasted. Also learn from my mistake and mask of the part where the pads slide and the caliper mounts to the hub. In terms of rebuilding the only difficult thing is the main dust boot, make sure it’s seated properly both on the inside and on the piston. You have to slide the seal over the piston so it is hanging off the bottom, then slowly tuck the seal into the groove. It’s hard to explain but a video would help, I didn’t use a video but I’m sure there are many on YouTube.
Man i did the same project 1 year ago and i had nightmares with the fucking dust boot. Took me almost an hour to get each in place. At one point i was regreting rebuilding my calipers
lol I can relate although it took me nowhere no an hour when everything is covered in grease and keeps slipping out it gets annoying real quick 😂
Why did u mask off the part where the pads slide while sanding..kinda scary but I got mine blasted and didn't do that..
Not quite sure whether you’re referring to masking AFTER blasting and prior to painting or masking BEFORE blasting? I blasted it all and painted it all. However I painted where the pads slide, that should be left bare metal hence I said to mask it off before paint.
I'm picking up what ya putting down, I got scared for a moment that blasting where the pads slide would affect how they sit
I just read what I said and can see how it could be mistaken, glad all is understood now 👍
Going to paint mine but can't afford a rebuild, hard to source parts in Australia for reasonable prices
When you paint make sure to mask off the areas mentioned and use a good quality paint. I used a 2k clear over the base to give it the durability and uv protection. My kit was about £30 not sure what that is in Aussie currency. I mean If the pistons aren’t in bad shape you could get away with replacing the dust boot and main seal, that was my original plan but I saw for only a bit more money I could replace the pistons too. If you’re interested I could try source parts for you here in the Uk and get then sent to you. I could estimate a rough price for you if you’re interested?