May need brakes??

[ehaughn]

I have 27K on my 02 LT. I just noticed some squealing on the front breaks.

About how many are the brakes good for? I know it depends on your riding style etc.

Is it easy to change the pads? I have done it on many cars and a few motorcycles, but not on a BMW.

[messenger13]

I don't think you're anywhere near pad-changing time. Not at 27K.

[cfell]

Just helped a friend change tires.. the front as about 1mm from hitting the plate... doesn't hurt to check. Could have a binding caliper or sumpthin..

[kellenbenz]

I just changed my front pads on my 2003 LTE with 35,000 miles on it. There was about 2.5 mm left of the old pads but they were fairly glazed. Mine had started squeeling also, but very slightly. It is a very easy job to do.

I don't like to pry against the rotor to get the pistons back in, so I remove the calipers using a 45 torqx. You must twist the caliper from side to side to push the pistons back and allow the caliper room to come away from the rotor. This uses the rotor and the old pads as leverage. Once the caliper is off, there are 2 ea allen head screws (uses a 3 mm allen wrench)that hold a silver spring cover over the pads. Remove those and the silver cover. Now is a good time to take a screw driver and wedge it between the old pads to push the pistons all the way back into the caliper.

You will now see a very small spring clip that is going through the pin that holds the pads in place. Pull it from the pin and don't loose it. Pull the pin out of the caliper, lift the old pads out the top of the caliper and replace with new pads.

Assembly is in reverse order. Be sure to torque everything and to test try the brakes before even taking the bike from the center stand. Make sure you have a good travel at the brake handle.


HTH,

Ron