Let's Install Repco/PBR/Axxis Metal Master Pads On My '96 328is
by Ron Stygar
Connecticut Valley Chapter
Die Zeitung, Feb 97
Myself, Larry from Imparts (1-800-325-9043), fellow digesters Steve D'Gerolamo and parts guru Ken Inn have been working on the correct pads to use on my 328is. The controversy is over the rear pads. Ken Inn said it best: You are SOL.
The confusion over the cross reference of Repco/PBR/Axxis part #'s we've yet to figure out.
I've been using Repco/PBR/Axxis brake pads since 1980 and have been happy with the results. The following details how I went about doing this on my 328is. As always, feel free to do it your way.
Slightly loosen the lug bolts of the first wheel using a 17 mm socket. Remounting torque is (100NM - 73.7 ftlb). Raise and safely support the vehicle to accommodate the wheel you are doing. Undo the bolts and remove the wheel, referencing its position so that you can install it the same way it was originally mounted. This eliminates potential balance problems.
Remove retaining spring by pushing at its's center in the direction of the imprinted arrow. (Push towards the rear or the vehicle). Gently remove brake pad wear sensor from the inboard brake pad. (Only in left front and right rear pads). It's surrounding metal clip is position dependent. Make a note of it before the clip falls out and you lose track of it.
Remove both plastic plugs protecting the guide bolts. Push brake hose out of mounting bracket at the grommet point. Remove guide bolts using a 7mm hex head socket driver. Mark the bolts with a felt pen as you take them out so you can return them to their original position. Remounting torque is (30NM - 22 ftlb - 264 inlb).
Clean the guide bolts, but do not lubricate. Inspect their threads and replace any guide bolts that are not in perfect condition . Guide bolt part # 34 11 1 157 041 @ $17.45. Lift out the brake caliper towards rear of vehicle and remove both pads. Push back the caliper piston back using an appropriate tool. On my new car, fingers worked.
Clean the brake lining guides along the caliper and backing plate contact areas. Lightly grease brake pad backing and piston contact areas. Lightly grease brake pad backing using BMW plastilube part # 81 22 9 407 103 $2.78 each. I purchased four. You can probably get away with two. Install the new pads. Install the caliper assembly and torque the guide bolts to (30NM - 22 ftlb - 264 inlb). My inch pound torque wrench fits comfortably.
Pump the brake pedal to achieve pad disk contact. Clean (both sides) and wax the wheel, then reinstall it in its original position. The remounting torque is (100NM - 73.7 ftlb), though I've been using 72 ftlb for years. Go on to the next wheel.
When you are done record the mileage and installation date and give one last thought to how much brake dust you used to see.