Brake Job

[Clockwork]

Centric is a great brake rotor, and actually makes Stoptech rotors (or other way around). Anyhow, tey get rave reviews on the 8 series forum

http://www.stoptech.com/about/about-us

[X5SND]

FWIW, Im currently using the stop tech/centric drilled rotors with the black "e-coating" and Akebono ceramic pads all around. I prefer the softer initial bite of the Akes to the oem pads, and nearly zero brake dust.

The black coating on the rotors covers the hat as well the veins inside....it's holding up much better than my OEM rotors did.

What they look like:

[tomsawyer]

I wanted to let everyone know the brake job is completed - Centric rotors, acebono pads and sensors. Everything went smoothly and no issues during the install. I have driven for the past day and I won't say the stopping power is exactly the same as oem, but it ain't far off. This definitely justifies the almost $500 difference in parts cost.

Thanks to everyone that contributed.

[Kristophe]

I did my brakes this past summer with aftermaket with very good results but when I flushed the fluid later that September THAT made a noticeable improvement. Since I wasn't the orginal owner and the old brake fluid was pretty yucky who knows when the last time it was changed.

[Bargain Bucket]

The new pads will take a few hundred miles to bed in so won't feel to great initially but will improve with the miles.

[Qsilver7]

Which axle did you replace? All 4 or were only the front or rear pads & rotors worn? I ask because I didn't see it mentioned reading through the thread...and just because the CHECK BRAKE LINING warning light illuminated, doesn't mean that all 4 rotors need to be replaced...you have to determine which of the sensors (front axle or rear axle) set off the warning.

Just curious.

[CrazyOneToo]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Which axle did you replace? All 4 or were only the front or rear pads & rotors worn? I ask because I didn't see it mentioned reading through the thread...and just because the CHECK BRAKE LINING warning light illuminated, doesn't mean that all 4 rotors need to be replaced...you have to determine which of the sensors (front axle or rear axle) set off the warning.

Just curious.

Does the BRAKE light coming on and being lit up red along with the "Check Brake Linings" notification mean its just the pads/wear sensor ?
I am new to the X5 world. Thanks

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by CrazyOneToo

Does the BRAKE light coming on and being lit up red along with the "Check Brake Linings" notification mean its just the pads/wear sensor ?
I am new to the X5 world. Thanks

Generally, yes.

You can visually check the pads to see how much brake pad material remains. If the pads are good, check the sensor wire, the connection at the pads and the connection at the other end of the sensor wire.

[CrazyOneToo]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Generally, yes.

You can visually check the pads to see how much brake pad material remains. If the pads are good, check the sensor wire, the connection at the pads and the connection at the other end of the sensor wire.

OK. I first checked the fluid level and its fine. Did the 2 minute key on brake reset to see if it might have been a momentary glitch in the sensors. But alas I will have to check the pads and sensors sometime soon. I think maybe I can use my BMW Scanner to tell me which sensor is showing up as bad. I hope that the rotors are still in good shape and not needing replacement also. On my E46 I had an issue with the rear sensor collecting dust and debris enought to make it appear the brakes were low. I blew it out twice with air and it work well for about two weeks or so each time. Then I took the brakes apart and cleaned the sensor well and it has worked fine for about 2 years now. Thanks for the info.


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[JCL]

Originally Posted by CrazyOneToo

But alas I will have to check the pads and sensors sometime soon. I think maybe I can use my BMW Scanner to tell me which sensor is showing up as bad. I hope that the rotors are still in good shape and not needing replacement also.

You need to physically inspect the brakes, front and rear.

Good practice is to replace the rotors and maintain full braking performance. You may be able to reuse them but many of us won't typically do so.

ps: Can you turn bold off?