Sezied Caliper - Need Help

[scz4]

I've got a '98 E36 M3 Evo. The car hasn't properly moved in a few months, took it out for a spin the other day and discovered my front n/s caliper is seized. Even after a 5 mile drive, when I jacked it up it still hadn't freed off, can hardly turn the wheel by hand. Unfortunately a second drive didn't help free it off either

So had a go at removing the caliper, but it was extremely tight, night to get socket which will fit my longest rachet. Am I likely to need a replacement caliper, some sort of maintenance kit or simply clean and push the pistons back in.

How much is a recon or new caliper then? I want to keep the standard ///M caliper.

G

Edited by scz4 on Wednesday 4th February 22:32

Edited by scz4 on Wednesday 4th February 22:52

[belleair302]

Get the car down to your local specialist and get the thing rebuilt. Should not be expensive but well worth the money. Too often these parts are never looked at in a service and when rebuilt properly give you amazing brake feel and performance.

[off your marks]

yep, that's the advice i would suggest too - iirc its not uncommon for seizure either.

[belleair302]

You probably need a new piston or the whole thing needs cleaning and lubricating. A simple job when done by somebody who knows what is involved.

[tjw110]

I've just had the same problem with the drivers caliper, you can buy a reconditioned replacment with a holding deposit for your faulty unit, or take it off, pump the piston out, clean it up and put it back again. Took me about an hour to take it off, clean it all up and refit it.

[nottyash]

scz4 said:

I've got a '98 E36 M3 Evo. The car hasn't properly moved in a few months, took it out for a spin the other day and discovered my front n/s caliper is seized. Even after a 5 mile drive, when I jacked it up it still hadn't freed off, can hardly turn the wheel by hand. Unfortunately a second drive didn't help free it off either

So had a go at removing the caliper, but it was extremely tight, night to get socket which will fit my longest rachet. Am I likely to need a replacement caliper, some sort of maintenance kit or simply clean and push the pistons back in.

How much is a recon or new caliper then? I want to keep the standard ///M caliper.

G

Edited by scz4 on Wednesday 4th February 22:32

Edited by scz4 on Wednesday 4th February 22:52

Before you mess around taking it off/ stripping/ waiting to refurbish etc, try your motor factors you may be suprised how much a new one is. It will be exchange but its a lot less hassle. i bought new ones for a 328 for £44 plus Vat.

Or Try

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecommerce/Search_Resul...

£82 each for your car.

Edited by nottyash on Thursday 5th February 16:48

[scz4]

Thanks guys,

Managed to get a used one from a source I trust. He's cleaned it up and pressure tested it and the piston was moving freely, happy days (hopefully).

G

[Mr_Dave]

I had the same issue with mine. The rubber seal had failed, so the piston bore had rusted up. Picked up the Eurocarparts one at the weekend, its a Lucas refurb. Can't go wrong for the money