Axxis Deluxe Brake Pads, LOUD squeak...

[Rolex Snob]

Last year I bought front and rear Axxis Deluxe brake pads for my 2002 4.4i X5, I went with them over stock because there is virtually NO brake dust. I am extremely happy with them but they do squeak a lot. I am using stock rotors (new fronts and original rears), I realize that I should expect squeaky brakes with aftermarket pads and am wondering if buying Brembo rotors for front and rear would be worth it to reduce the noise.

Does anyone have experience with this? Any idea if new aftermarket rotors will help with the noise level on the Axxis pads?

[hayaku]

who did the install? did they use any form of anti-squeal?

make sure there is anti-squeal paste/anti-seize dapped at the "wings" of the pads.. most of the time, the squeal noise is from the backing plate wings vibrating in the caliper... lots here with the axxis deluxe pads and no noise...

[Rolex Snob]

I took it to a larger import shop in town since the dealer wanted no part in installing aftermarket pads. Should I just take it back to them and ask them to install "anti-squeal" ?

I may buy the Brembo rotors anyway since my back rotors need replaced; I will make sure to tell them to install this stuff when I go back...

Thanks!

[Teutonaddict]

Originally Posted by Rolex Snob

...I realize that I should expect squeaky brakes with aftermarket pads and am wondering if buying Brembo rotors for front and rear would be worth it to reduce the noise.

Does anyone have experience with this? Any idea if new aftermarket rotors will help with the noise level on the Axxis pads?

I'm not sure I agree with your initial assumption: aftermarket pads need not result in brake squeal. I ran Axxis Deluxe Plus on my E39 M5 and my wife's E38 740i Sport, with nary a hint of squeal on either vehicle.

It could be a function of anti-squeal on the backs of the pad backers, but I'd suggest first doing a thorough bedding procedure as described here:
http://www.zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm

If you could resolve it without having to pull the wheels (and applying anti-squeal), then this would be the preferred route.

Don't buy new rotors unless you (a) prefer the looks, or (b) can save a few $$ by going aftermarket vs. OE. New rotors in this case wouldn't assure you of squeal-free performance.

Good luck!
-Dave

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by Rolex Snob

Last year I bought front and rear Axxis Deluxe brake pads for my 2002 4.4i X5, I went with them over stock because there is virtually NO brake dust. I am extremely happy with them but they do squeak a lot. I am using stock rotors (new fronts and original rears), I realize that I should expect squeaky brakes with aftermarket pads and am wondering if buying Brembo rotors for front and rear would be worth it to reduce the noise.

Does anyone have experience with this? Any idea if new aftermarket rotors will help with the noise level on the Axxis pads?

This could be a problem. You changed the pads in the rear, but didn't change the rotors. When you change pads on most vehicles you have to regrind the rotors if there's still enough thickness. With BMW rotors, you HAVE to replace them if you change pads.

[jditom]

Originally Posted by Rolex Snob

Last year I bought front and rear Axxis Deluxe brake pads for my 2002 4.4i X5, I went with them over stock because there is virtually NO brake dust. I am extremely happy with them but they do squeak a lot. I am using stock rotors (new fronts and original rears), I realize that I should expect squeaky brakes with aftermarket pads and am wondering if buying Brembo rotors for front and rear would be worth it to reduce the noise.

Does anyone have experience with this? Any idea if new aftermarket rotors will help with the noise level on the Axxis pads?

I did mine 3,000 miles ago with no noise what so ever.
My 03 4.4 had 33K on it and I did not replace rotors.
I did use anti squeal paste that I got from Bavarian Imports.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

When you change pads on most vehicles you have to regrind the rotors if there's still enough thickness. With BMW rotors, you HAVE to replace them if you change pads.

I would say that depends on what the friction surface looks like. If it is worn, turning the rotors is a good idea.

AFAIK, BMW doesn't have a specific requirement to change the rotors, it is just that usually when pads are replaced, there isn't enough meat left on the rotor.

I just did my fronts with Axxis pads, and put new jobber rotors on (half the price of BMW). I will replace the rear pads in a few weeks with Axxis Deluxe as well, for the dust reduction, even though they are only half worn. I don't see the need to replace the rotors in that case.

[Teutonaddict]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

With BMW rotors, you HAVE to replace them if you change pads.

I think you're lending too much creedence to what your SA is telling you. BMW rotors need only be replaced when their thickness falls below the specification stamped on the rotor hat.

While typically you might find rotor thickness falling below spec after two or more pad changes--you can bet the $tealership is gonna try to sell you rotors with each and every pad change.** It's not necessary.

In fact, many racers will tell you not to install new rotors and pads at the same time; it can make it more difficult to bed both components.

Spend $40 on a caliper micrometer and check for yourself, and you'll never have to rely on the man behind the counter again.

** This applies only after warranty expires and you begin to pay the frieght. You can bet that BMWNA does NOT replace rotors with every pad change when it's on their dime (e.g., within the 4/50 Full Maintenance Plan). Check your work orders!

[SANguru]

Originally Posted by Teutonaddict

I think you're lending too much creedence to what your SA is telling you. BMW rotors need only be replaced when their thickness falls below the specification stamped on the rotor hat.

While typically you might find rotor thickness falling below spec after two or more pad changes--you can bet the $tealership is gonna try to sell you rotors with each and every pad change.** It's not necessary.

In fact, many racers will tell you not to install new rotors and pads at the same time; it can make it more difficult to bed both components.

Spend $40 on a caliper micrometer and check for yourself, and you'll never have to rely on the man behind the counter again.

** This applies only after warranty expires and you begin to pay the frieght. You can bet that BMWNA does NOT replace rotors with every pad change when it's on their dime (e.g., within the 4/50 Full Maintenance Plan). Check your work orders!

[DINANM3]

If your brakes are squealing getting new rotors will do nothing for you to eliminate the squeal. 99 percent of the time it means that whoever changed your brakes did not put enough or any at all of the anti squeal compound on your brakes its usually like a silcone looking material. either that or a small possibility that you have debree stuck between the pad and rotor. Or you did not break them in right. Do not change rotors unless they are worn it will not do anything.

And as far as not being able to cut bmw rotors it bullshit. When my cars are under the maintenance warranty they never replace them unless they are out of spec and there is not enough meat left. But as soon as the warranty is over they start the bullshit again about bmw not recomending ever cutting rotors it is replace only. Ive seen it to many times