maintainence questions again...

[jwalsh22]

Okay,

So I've got to change my rear pads now, after doing the fronts about a couple of months ago. I'm going to flush my fluid this time (figured I'd wait until I did the rears to do this) and replace the pads, rotors, wear sensor, etc. I have a couple questions though, about the brakes and some other stuff I'm doing.

1.) I should need only about 1 liter of brake fluid right? Any recommendations? I've searched around here and the ATE Supergold seems pretty popular, any advantages to going with say the Blue?

2.) are there any other parts I should be thinking of replacing while doing my rear brake pads and rotors? Like the parking brake shoes? What exactly are those, what do they do, and would they need to be replaced?

3.) I'm going to be driving in Mexico for a month or so, and I was thinking about swapping out my fuel filter, possibly adding another one if necessary. What's the standard for these anyway, what's the replacement interval? Is it a DIY task or something better left to a pro?

4.) Wipper blades - I'm not really happy with my current (OEM) blades when it comes to snow and ice. They just get mucked up with ice and don't wipe correctly. The low-profile ones they now put on the new bmws seem like they'd be better, would there be any way to find out if they'll work on a 2002 3.0i? Anyone have any experience with these in various conditions?

Now, 5.) I'm having my windshield replaced due to some chips, a crack, and some untimely sand-blasting on its most recent trip out east, anything to watch for as far as the install goes? The local stealership recommended a glass shop, I talked to them and they seemed really experienced with bmw windshields. I had them order an OEM windshield through the dealership. What could go wrong? What should I watch for after the install? Anyone have any horror stories/problems to share?

Oh, and 6.) After I got new tires on the X a couple of months ago I started noticing a sort of grinding noise that appears more as I slow down. I replaced tires (Yokohamas) and brake pads and rotors (axxis deluxe and brembo) at the same time. I'm not sure if this noise is either of those things, as the tires are known for increased tread noise, and the brakes are different, so maybe they make different noises. It doesn't really sound like the tires, there's a vibration that you can feel that doesn't seem like the tread hitting the road. Is it possible that I need to replace my control arm bushings? What are some of the symtoms of needing those replaced?


Alright guys, thanks a lot in advance for the great advice!