[evanr614]

So I had my local indy shop diagnose one of my rear calipers to be dragging slightly. It seems to be getting worse...theres is now a consistent shake in the rear once the rotors warm up, and it is clearly way too hot as you can smell it. (Im in Ohio and its like 15 degrees right now)

I plan to replace both of my rear rotors, and also the caliper but my question for you guys is what are your preferred options as far as brands go for a new caliper.

ALSO, do I need a new caliper carrier to fix this problem.

OEM is usually preferred, but obviously not necessary for every single part on your car. Wanted to see what you guys thought of a 100 dollar set of Brembo rotors i found on ECS Tuning. I'm also seeing a remanufactured caliper for 250 or another brand for 120. An OEM caliper without the carrier is 300 bucks!

I dont like to be cheap and go OEM for most parts but I'm looking for some other opinions/suggestions. THANKS!

 

[AndreBXP]

You might be able to rebuild the caliper? Just a thought, as I've seen a few threads on it. Good luck!

 

[SoCaLe39]

If I were in your shoes I'd just pickup a set of good used rear calipers, rebuild and paint them for a fraction of the cost. Then pickup a set of Zimmerman rear rotors and call it done. I rebuilt all my calipers and it was pretty easy.

 

[evanr614]

If I were in your shoes I'd just pickup a set of good used rear calipers, rebuild and paint them for a fraction of the cost. Then pickup a set of Zimmerman rear rotors and call it done. I rebuilt all my calipers and it was pretty easy.

You guys are awesome with the fast input, very appreciated haha

By rebuilding, what all does this refer too? I see mostly just rebuild kits with new seals. Is that really all it could take to fix the issue?

Also, best source for used calipers...on here?

 

[SeanC]

eEuroparts.com, I paid $56.52 after sending back my old caliper to them. Wasn't worth the time and money to rebuild it myself.

Qty: 1 - Disc Brake Caliper - Front Dri (2202344L) - Unit Price: $56.52 - Core Charge: $66.50
Qty: 1 - CORE (2202344LCORE) - Unit Price: $66.50

Rebuilt oem caliper, I believe ATE brand. Couldn't tell from the original. And you reuse your caliper carrier.

 

[evanr614]

eEuroparts.com, I paid $56.52 after sending back my old caliper to them. Wasn't worth the time and money to rebuild it myself.

Qty: 1 - Disc Brake Caliper - Front Dri (2202344L) - Unit Price: $56.52 - Core Charge: $66.50
Qty: 1 - CORE (2202344LCORE) - Unit Price: $66.50

Rebuilt oem caliper, I believe ATE brand. Couldn't tell from the original.

That link doesn't work for me. It is redirecting me to europaparts.com

I do like the idea of sending it off if you can get me the right link! Thanks!

 

[SeanC]

That link doesn't work for me. It is redirecting me to europaparts.com

I do like the idea of sending it off if you can get me the right link! Thanks!

Fixed the link, there is another "e" in front of "euro".

 

[evanr614]

Fixed the link, there is another "e" in front of "euro".

So im a little confused on the process of this.

http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/63628/Disc-Brake-Caliper-Front-Driver-Side-N126003/

Is that the part that you ordered? And then you send your caliper to them for say 55 dollars. Im slightly thrown off because thats a very cheap caliper.

 

[evanr614]

Also, none of you have mentioned the carrier. I'm assuming that means it is very unlikely that needs to be replaced?

 

[choxor]

Carrier doesn't have to be replaced. It's just a hunk of metal. Go to a parts store like autozone and buy a reman. It's like $50 with core. No point in dorking around rebuilding it yourself.

 

[evanr614]

Carrier doesn't have to be replaced. It's just a hunk of metal. Go to a parts store like autozone and buy a reman. It's like $50 with core. No point in dorking around rebuilding it yourself.

What would a remanufacture entail? Just rebuilding it? Or replacing it with an aftermarket caliper?

 

[choxor]

It's an OE caliper that's been cleaned and had its seals replaced. Your old caliper will be rebuilt and go to someone else. That's why they're so cheap. It's not an aftermarket caliper. Plus it should come with a warranty. If you rebuild it yourself and jack it up then you're out of luck and wasted a bunch of time.

 

[evanr614]

It's an OE caliper that's been cleaned and had its seals replaced. Your old caliper will be rebuilt and go to someone else. That's why they're so cheap. It's not an aftermarket caliper. Plus it should come with a warranty. If you rebuild it yourself and jack it up then you're out of luck and wasted a bunch of time.

Got it. That sounds like the best move. Thanks man

 

[havnfun328]

You can also get rebuilt calipers at O'reiley's.
Lifetime warranty.

 

[ECSTuning]

For your rotors check out the Meyle rotors (LINK), they are coated ("Meyle Platinum") which will help prevent them from rusting like crazy in the Ohio winters. Meyle rotors are easy on the wallet and great quality (and what I run on some of my personal cars).

As for the rear calipers, if they are dragging you might as well get remans/new calipers. As choxor said you avoid the possibility of an improper rebuild, and well... if your pistons are heavily pitted or the chamber is scored the existing calipers really might not be worth DIY rebuilding. Your local big box auto parts store is always an option for calipers, just make sure you're getting the correct caliper from them, I've heard horror stories from some of my guys about calipers not even being close to correct. From us we have Cardone and NuGeon remanufactured calipers (they are different rebuilds), as well as ATE, Vaico, and the BMW brand new calipers. Personally I'm a fan of the Vaico calipers when available as they get the job done and they are very cost friendly.

If you need help figuring out what's best for you and your car feel free to shoot me a PM and I'll go over options in detail with you.


-James

 

[The Doctor]

Really depends how bad your caliper is. We deal with this on a daily basis. Not bimmers but it's a common problem. Take the caliper off the car and get all that rust out of there. Chances are pretty good your pad is rusted in place and not returning. Make sure after you get all that rust out of there to put plenty of caliper grease in where the pads slide back and forth. And quit blasting your wheels at the car wash. Washes all the grease out. As far as rotors, yes, Meyle makes a nice, easy on the wallet rotor. Pads are your choice. I like the pagid. Low dusting and they work nicely.

 

[evanr614]

Ton of great input. Much appreciated, all!

About two weeks ago I got a few calipers from Autozone. The guy couldn't recall which company actually rebuilds their calipers but they came in a Duralast box. I went with Zimmerman rotors and Hawk HPS pads. The pads do differ a little bit in feel from the OEM but I still love them!

As for anyone else I would also recommend getting re manufactured calipers from your local auto parts store.

Next step this spring is the front brake job and possibly painting up the calipers to hide rust.