loud squeal (not really driveable)

[rh71]

^ no new rotors on the worksheet... that would've been nice... but are you trying to say it's a must here?

I had read other people did brake jobs on their dime... and only in the 2nd brake job did they do new rotors.

Still under warranty till Jan.

[ShantF1]

What about wheel bearings? I would suggest they change the discs and pads on all four.

[ard]

Originally Posted by rh71

^ no new rotors on the worksheet... that would've been nice... but are you trying to say it's a must here?

I had read other people did brake jobs on their dime... and only in the 2nd brake job did they do new rotors.

Still under warranty till Jan.

It isn't a matter of 'nice'.

I have ALWAYS heard BMW SAs stating unequivocally that "BMW requires us to replace rotors when we replace pads"...whenever the customer is paying the bill.

So why are they not doing your rotors?

The problem is this: BMW uses a pad sensor, they do NOT have a schedule for checking rotor thickness... so since they've given you new pads it is a real liklihood that you will wear your rotors below safe before the 'built in' BMW sensor will alert you that something needs service.

And this is not something that will crop up up before January.

Indeed, if you were to return prior to the warranty/maintenance expiring and say "please check the rotor thickness", their response would be "that isn't a scheduled BMW maintenance and we will charge you for it.

Now, I do not know what the written BMW procedure mandates... PERSONALLY I replace pads and rotors when they need it, screw the BMW system- but only when I'm paying.

[jlam86]

I am having this loud screech! It's the second time since I have had my car. First time, it stopped and went away after driving three block while mashing on the brakes etc.

I have a feeling it is the ware sensor too. Sounds like two metal surfaces caressing each other! U can hear me from a block away.. Brakes have lots of life left... What to do.

Of coarse, this happens AFTER warranty period even though I reported it before the warranty expired but they said to let them know if it happens again.

[ard]

Originally Posted by jlam86

I am having this loud screech! It's the second time since I have had my car. First time, it stopped and went away after driving three block while mashing on the brakes etc.

I have a feeling it is the ware sensor too. Sounds like two metal surfaces caressing each other! U can hear me from a block away.. Brakes have lots of life left... What to do.

Of coarse, this happens AFTER warranty period even though I reported it before the warranty expired but they said to let them know if it happens again.

What do you mean by 'lots of life'???

There are SIX measurements for the front brakes:
1. All 4 pads (left, inside and outside; right, inside and outside)
and
2. BOTH rotors.

You could have had a stuck caliper pin (warranty) and they never bothered to check...could lead to one pad grinding away, metal on metal..yet the sensor never trips since it is on a different pad.

Bring it back, along with a copy of the work order where you first reported it under warranty.

Do not be surprised if they say "we need to estimate $200, but it will be no charge if it is covered"...only to find out the $200 covered the diagnosis and it is $1500 to repair- and no warranty.

Anyway, worth a discussion

[jlam86]

Thanks for the reply ard! I took it to BMW after work yesterday and the drive was so embarrassing! My vehicle was quite the show stopper! When I pulled up to the dealership, everyone was covering their ears! Service people came running out to see! Lol! They said it was probably a rock stuck in between my pads and the rotor and would charge me a minimum of 1/2 hour as soon as the car is hoisted up with the possibility of it going up depending on the extent of work performed. I decided to take it home (2 blocks away) and tackle it myself.

Turns out, I had a pebble the size of a finger nail somewhat wedged between the backing plate and the rotor. Quick fix and saved myself $100! Woohoo!

[blue dragon]

What is the discard thickness of the rotors anyway? I'll break out my micrometer and measure mine if I know the values.