Newbie-Sorry for another on brakes
 

Hi all,
My wife drives a 2001 4.4 sport with 50k miles on it. I replaced the rears rotors/pads (based on research from this site-Brembo/Akebono)at 40k miles with no problems. I then replaced the front rotors/pads (Brembo/Akebono) at 50K, flushed the fluid and am now noticing an annoying squeal at low speed and the brake pedal travels a bit further. I wasn't happy with it, so I redid the whole brake thing again for the second time. Same results. And yes, I did apply the anti-squeal paste both times. I then took it to an independent BMW service center for an opinion and they thought it was within normal limits of pedal travel.

My question are, do you think the rotors/pads have something to do with the travel distance of the pedal? and should I yank everything out and replace them with OEM parts?

thanks.
Peter

From what I know, Pedal travel is not directly related to the pads but the hydrolics . So it could be the level of fluid, brake booster or even air in the system.

The squeal is from the pads. Depending on where you put the paste. I always put a small amount at the neck of the pads and a small amount at the edge of the Caliper Carrier. The BMW TIS has the exact location of where to put the paste. I have no squeal so far.

I would guess that your extended pedal travel might have something to do with air in your lines after cracking open the system. I would do/redo a very thorough bleed and check again.

Or if the BMW techs are saying seems normal to them, could be just imagination.

The pads and rotors you chose won't affect pedal travel, but they may affect pedal feel, due to the difference in the initial bit of the aftermarket pads, and the surface finish of the aftermarket rotors.

If there is in fact more pedal travel, the most likely cause is air in the system relating to you flushing the fluid.

Squeal is due to pad vibration. You shouldn't have to use the antisqueal paste on the back of the pads, but it is very important to apply high temperature grease (which may be what you mean) on the ears of the pads, where they touch the calipers.